The 19th annual BDO Cedars CanSupport Dragon Boat Race took place in Lachine where hundreds of paddlers from across Montreal raced to raise money for patients undergoing cancer treatments at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Paddlers include cancer survivors who gave it their all for friends, family, and for those who are at their most vulnerable.
Captain of the Power of the Dragon team Isabel Pereira says they are celebrating their 25th anniversary as a team with members ranging from 45-83 in age.
Pereira says they are practicing once a week with a goal of staying active and having the motto ‘there is life after cancer’.
“Our boat is unique because the other two boats are breast cancer survivors,” Pereira said. “We’re all kinds of cancer survivors and caregivers, I joined 16 years ago as a caregiver for my husband who I lost to cancer.”
Pereira said as of three months ago, she became a survivor adding that this year was very emotional. Pereira’s longtime teammate and VP to the team, Betty Esperanza, says what the event brings is a sense of community.
“Don’t be afraid to hang out with a bunch of old ladies and I think the big message is it’s okay, but we can do other things in life,” she said. “There’s so much more to life than your cancer.”
President and CEO of the Foundation Jeff Shamie, says the funds and support help thousands of patients each year.
“We’re so honored today with this outpouring of love and emotion and dedication with these huge numbers,” he said.
A spokesperson for the foundation and survivor, Ryan Ross, was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 18. Although he couldn’t race, his family was there on the waters for him, saying he advocates for more awareness as he recalled on a time where one person’s actions went a long way in his journey.
“I’ve had nurses that, I got blood tests every day and I hated needles and I had a nurse that told me one little thing and that stuck with me the whole time,” he said.
Ross said the sentiment he was given was from a nurse who calmed his nerves during a bloodwork session. He said medically he is doing good but a long road still continues.
“People don’t understand the power they truly have with their words and their actions when it comes to people who need it the most,” he said.