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# Wellness Warriors

A dragon boat team for all cancer survivors

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Erica](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2025/12/28/erica/) - Wellness Warriors changed my post-cancer life. I came to Wellness Warriors at a time when my cancer journey had taken an unexpected turn. My cancer didn’t respond to first-line treatment, and I had to move on to a clinical trial. I knew the road ahead would be long, and I also knew I needed
- [Angela](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2024/01/11/angela/) - I joined Wellness Warriors in May 2023. Who would have known that my cancer in 2000 would be my ticket to this amazing team of cancer survivor athletes? I’d always wanted to do dragon boat paddling but felt it was just a fantasy. My first time in a boat was both thrilling and terrifying. It
- [Lisa](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2021/11/25/lisa/) - I first learned of Wellness Warriors at a lymphedema symposium a few years ago. I was interested, took the pamphlets, but after I got home, I didn’t follow up or contact them. I let the materials sit until Spring of 2021. After becoming an empty nester and living life in isolation due to Covid, I
- [Fran](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2025/09/15/fran/) - Meeting the Wellness Warriors has been a gift for me. In 2022, Wellness Warriors had earned an All Cancer Paddlers berth to the 2024 World Crew Championships. That fall, they scheduled and hosted a winter weekend paddling workshop to strengthen their team. As is WW tradition, other survivor teams were invited to participate. I attended
- [Ed](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/12/30/ed/) - I joined WW in 2008 to support my family member and to be part of a team of folks who were living with cancer like myself. Paddling is more than healthy exercise; it is about being a team player, sharing and enjoying the skyline and sunset over the Charles River, giving your all in the
- [Peter Lew](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2020/04/05/peter-lew/) - Peter Lew 1952 - 2020 Wellness Warriors celebrates the life of our founder, Peter Lew.
- [Rhonda](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/08/29/rhonda/) - Let me first start by saying… Hi. My name is Rhonda…and I am a newbie. I am a newbie to Wellness Warriors… I am a newbie to any kind of sport let alone a water sport. AND a newbie to Boston. In fact, it was just over 2 years ago that my husband Tim
- [Kristi](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/04/18/kristi/) - I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2013 with new growth noted in 2015. At that time, I began searching out complementary treatments as my options were limited. I saw a flyer for the Wellness Warriors at a local wellness center where I had taken a workshop and was intrigued as I had
- [Janelle](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/07/27/janelle/) - I’m one of the strange breed who grew up dragon boating—it’s kind of a big deal in Portland, Oregon, where I grew up. I raced for my high school team, but an ovarian cancer diagnosis as a teenager put an end to my paddling on the Willamette. After ten years out of the sport, I
- [Rebecca](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/10/02/rebecca/) - The original reason I joined Wellness Warriors was actually due to the fact that I was unable to find a stable close enough to the city to continue my hobby of horseback riding. Wanting to do something that kept me active and got me outside I took a risk and went to an info session
- [Theresa](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2024/07/23/theresa/) - I discovered the Dragon Boat in Texas, but I became truly addicted when I joined Wellness Warriors. I have had two cancers and I did not know that I needed a support group. I brushed off my cancers like a bad memory. Wellness Warriors showed me that I did not have to brush it off.
- [Local Cancer Survivors to Race Dragons in World Championships!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2024/02/12/2024-ccwc/)
- [2020 Wellness Warriors is Going to Worlds!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2020/02/19/2020-club-crew-world-championships-france/)
- [Mini Paddle Camp Empowers Cancer Survivors Through Dragon Boating](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2023/11/30/2023-acp-paddle-camp/)
- [Alice](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/04/26/alice/) - "You are strong" has replaced "you have cancer" in my internal dialogues, thanks to Wellness Warriors. I was very hesitant about joining the team. I sort of tiptoed in and hid in the back, half turned to the door in case I needed to escape. What I found was an overwhelmingly welcoming atmosphere -
- [Christina](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2021/11/25/christina/) - I’m a newbie to Wellness Warriors, 2021 being my first season. I learned the hard way that cancer can rob not only your health but also your marriage, relationships, employment, financial stability and in my case my sight. I have Multiple Myeloma, I will always have it. It can run chronic or acute. Like a
- [Weekly Wednesday Warrior Workouts](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2020/03/25/wednesday-workouts/) - EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 8! Join me [Chrissy] every Wednesday evening at 8pm (previously 7pm) for workout and wine! Dejan has helped us set up an online meeting using Webex. Join us and let's move our socially isolated bodies! What to bring: Needs will vary by session, but having small dumbbells (or canned
- [Training updates have been moved to Slack](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2021/11/26/slack-move/) - Keep moving! Stay connected! Our fabulous Wellness Warriors off-season training program has moved to Slack, a communication platform that will help facilitate quick updates and 2-way communication. Join Slack and join the fun! Contact our coaches (wwcoaches@wellnesswarriorsboston.org) for an invitation to join Slack. A user manual is available here.
- [Pam](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2021/06/19/pam/) - It was raining- no let me rephrase that- it was pouring so hard that we couldn’t see beyond the front of the boat! And I laughed, dripping with happiness because I found a crazy group of cancer survivors that were willing to try anything! I’m not sure I was addicted to dragon boating my first
- [Linda](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2021/01/13/linda/) - My first glimpse of this team came on a low day, outside a lymphedema lecture. I arrived with legs throbbing, my body and spirit weakened from surgical complications. High grade uterine cancer had taken my energy, my career and my confidence. In the lobby stood a scenic poster of the sunny Charles River; it featured
- [Winning Gold with Wellness Warriors](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2020/01/23/winning-gold-with-wellness-warriors/) - On a beautiful (and exhausting) day on Mercer Lake outside Princeton, NJ, I joined a team of cancer survivors competing for gold and celebrating our collective wellness journeys at the Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival on 14 September 2019. My team – the Wellness Warriors, Boston’s only dragon boat team for cancer survivors – competed
- [To Be a Team](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2020/01/03/to-be-a-team/) - On a rainy evening in the summer of 2019 I was reminded, in a rather profound way, of what it means to be a part of a team. Paddling for the third year with the Wellness Warriors Boston - dragon boat team for all cancer survivors - I had been thoroughly enjoying my experience
- [Kim](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/02/14/5103/) - I had no idea what I was getting into on that first night of dragon boat practice. I had done an online search for cancer survivor groups in Boston and stumbled across the Wellness Warriors. I had never heard of dragon boating and I didn’t know anyone on the team. It was nothing more than
- [Karen](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/08/08/karen/) - I became involved with the Wellness Warriors when it was still a fledgling organization. It has been a remarkable experience to watch the Wellness Warriors evolve into the amazing entity it is today. I was recovering from the cumulative effects of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries when I had the good fortune to meet Erica
- [Kelly](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/03/19/featured-warrior-kelly/) - After fighting breast cancer and becoming a survivor, the next step was getting my strength back. I attended a survivors conference in Boston, where I found the Wellness Warriors Team. As I made time to attend practice on the Charles River, I was excited to meet the people I would be exercising with and learning
- [Brian](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/07/08/brian/) - Fear is the enemy of hope. I had just started my treatments for stage 4 neck and throat cancer. My friend from work named Sandy Tise happened to be a cancer survivor. She handed me a photo book and said, “These are photos of our dragon boat team called the Wellness Warriors”. As I looked
- [Peggy and Natalie](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2019/06/10/peggy-natalie/) - Fifteen years ago I joined the Wellness Warriors Team with my daughter after my 1st cancer surgery. Like so many I have had relocating cancer, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical drug trials. But through all this I feel grateful for many things, my faith, family, friends and my united Wellness Warriors. The Wellness Warrior
- [Donna](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/12/30/donna/) - I joined Wellness Warriors in 2010. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had recurrence in 2007. I saw a tiny notice in my local newspaper about a paddling group for cancer survivors. While I was not a complete couch potato having done aerobics and Pilates for years I was far from an
- [Joann](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/03/19/3596/) - Five years ago, after a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, I was invited to a summer barbecue party at the home of a colleague who was also on the faculty of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. I mingled, spoke to a few of my former professors, and then was introduced to a
- [Ima](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/2018/01/14/featured-warrior-ima/) - There is something about being on the water that nourishes the part of me that craves calm and freedom. So when my Livestrong buddy Vartus asked me if I would be interested in joining Wellness Warriors, a dragon boat team for cancer survivors, it was an immediate and enthusiastic YES! I knew nothing about the

## Pages

- [Wellness Warriors, Boston's all cancer dragon boat team](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/) - Wellness Warriors, Boston’s all cancer dragon boat team Wellness Warriors
- [Sponsor a seat on our dragon boat!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/seats/) - Which seat will you sponsor in honor or memory of someone special to you? Click on a seat number on the dragon boat below to review the sponsorship status of that seat! Donating online is safe and easy. If you prefer to send a check, please fill out our sponsorship form. Checks payable to
- [Team Store](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/wwstore/)
- [Support Us](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/support-us/) - Want to save lives and bring joy to cancer survivors? Participating in this active, exciting sport inspires cancer survivors to live their healthiest life possible after a cancer diagnosis. Exercise reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, increases quality of life, and improves cardiovascular function. Paddling together helps us stay active while our shared experience
- [Leadership](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/leadership/) - [table id=3 /] To contact leadership, please email us at contact@wellnesswarriorsboston.org LEADERSHIP HISTORY Founder Peter Lew 2009 Presidents Sandra Tise 2009-2017 Erica Bernstein 2017-2018 Joann Lindenmayer 2018-2019 Team Managers Joan Pratt 2012-2017 Alice Bisbee 2017-2018 Kim Deeney 2018-2019 Julie Nevins 2019-2024 Lisa Palin 2023-2025 Captains Paulette Cournoyer 2007-2008 Nancy Passavant
- [Race Schedule](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/race-schedule/) - # 2027 Race Schedule January 30-31, Puerto Rico Dragon Boat Festival (San Juan, PR) 2026 Race Schedule January 31-Feb 1, Puerto Rico Dragon Boat Festival (San Juan, PR) June 13-14, Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival (Boston, MA) July 18, Springfield Dragon Boat Festival (Springfield, MA) August 1, Ohana's Beasts from the East (Boston,
- [Practice Information](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/practice-information/) - Practice Schedule Our practice season is from late April / early-May to late September. We practice Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 PM, and most Saturday mornings. For most of the season, we paddle on the Charles River, out of the MIT Resch (previously Pierce) Boathouse at 409 Memorial Drive, in Cambridge. The boathouse is
- [Waivers](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/waivers/) - To complete your Wellness Warriors application, please complete the following waivers.* New members: You will receive an email in a few days with useful information about the team and how to sign up for our team activities. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you! * We realize that it is
- [Directions to Practice](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/directions-to-practice/) - Massachusetts Institute of Technology Resch (formerly "Pierce") Boathouse 409 Memorial Drive Cambridge, Massachusetts Link to Google Map ​ Public Transportation The closest MBTA station is the Red Line's Kendall/MIT station at the intersection of Broadway, Main and Third Streets. ​ Parking Limited street parking is available along Memorial Drive. On-street parking can usually be
- [Special Events](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/special-events/) - Conferences and Events with Wellness Warriors Participation
- [Contact Us](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/contact-us/) - We would like to hear from you! Email address: contact@wellnesswarriorsboston.org Mailing address: Wellness Warriors, Inc. P.O. Box 610154 Newton Highlands, MA 02461 ​ If mailing a donation, please make checks payable to "Wellness Warriors, Inc." and include your contact information in case of any questions. Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram
- [Application & Waivers](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/application-waiver/) - Jump to waivers for GUESTS The Wellness Warriors is Massachusetts' first dragon boat team for cancer survivors. We provide a paddling support group for men and women of all ages diagnosed with many different types of cancer.
- [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/privacy/) - Privacy Policy This privacy policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services. 1. Information We Collect We collect information that you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, make a purchase, or contact us for support. This may include your name,
- [Join Us](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/how-to-join/) - Are you a cancer survivor and ready to try the exciting sport of dragon boating? Join us for a new paddler orientation and then start dragon boating with your new teammates! You can join at any time, even mid- or off-season! New Paddler Orientation Your orientation includes instruction in paddling technique, paddling commands, and safety protocols. ​After
- [Practice Policies and Dock Rules](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/practice-policy-dock-rules/) - Our team has very few rules. Those we do have are for safety, training, or race strategy. All paddlers are required to follow these rules. They are: A personal flotation device (PFD) is required at all times on the dock and in the boat. You are required to make sure the fit is snug
- [Media and Awards](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/media-awards/) - We have been honored over the years with media attention and awards. Here are a few of those: Media: "Paddling with a Purpose" was co-produced by the Massachusetts Cancer Prevention and Control Network and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the "Wellness Guide for Cancer Survivors" found on www.mass.gov/cancersurvivor
- [Wellness Warriors earned 3 silver medals at Worlds!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/support-worlds/) - We couldn't have done it without your support! Wellness Warriors, Boston's dynamic all-cancer survivor paddling support group, takes its message of survivor power to Italy for dragon boat championships! Just one of four US all cancer survivor dragon boat clubs, and the only New England club selected, Wellness Warriors faces off against
- [Our Sponsors](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/our-sponsors/) - Wellness Warriors relies on the generosity of both corporate sponsors and individuals to bring this vital program to cancer survivors in the Boston and surrounding area. We are proud of and grateful to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who are working with us to achieve our goals. Alternative Docking Sites When circumstances require us
- [What is Dragon Boating](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/what-is-dragon-boating/) - First and foremost, dragon boating is a TEAM sport. There is nothing more exhilarating than feeling the boat fly through the water. It doesn't just happen. It is the result of technique, rhythm and synchrony that melds our bodies and spirits together as a high-performance paddling TEAM. ​ Though dragon boats come in different lengths,
- [References](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/references/) - Learn more about dragon boating and cancer survivorship: Jiang H, Zhao S, Wu Q, Cao Y, Zhou W, Gong Y, Shao C, Chi A. 2024. Dragon boat exercise reshapes the temporal-spatial dynamics of the brain PeerJ 12:e17623 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17623 Keep calm and keep rowing: the psychophysical effects of dragon boat program in breast
- [SPECIAL OFFER](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/special-offer/) - We are thrilled to announce the pre-order availability of Roger Jones' new novel "The Final Victory." This engaging story, infused with the spirit of dragon boat racing, is a must-read for enthusiasts and book lovers. Pre-order "The Final Victory" & Support Wellness Warriors by selecting "Boston Wellness Warriors" as the charity of your choice
- [Who We Are](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/who-we-are/) - Some of us are receiving chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer-fighting strategies, while others have completed treatments, but are still working through the cancer experience. For others still, cancer is a distant memory. We are a diverse group committed to dragon boating as part of our self-care after cancer diagnosis. No matter where we are
- [Dragon Boating and Cancer](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/dragon-boating-cancer/) - Dragon boat paddling for cancer survivors was first initiated in 1996 by Dr. Donald McKenzie, a sports medicine physician and exercise physiologist at the University of British Columbia. At that time, survivors of breast cancer were advised to limit their upper body activity to avoid the potential problems of lymphedema, the build-up of fluid in
- [Wellness Warriors' History](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/history/) - A dream, a gift, a team! Wellness Warriors' history starts with a gift of race prize money from another team! Coach Peter Lew, an early proponent of Dragon Boat racing in New England and other areas of the United States, has advocated the sport for cancer survivors. Said Lew, “[In 2003] there were few
- [Marketing Toolkit](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/marketing/) - Marketing Toolkit Link to our most recent PRESS RELEASE
- [How We Race](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/how-we-race/) - Our team members join the Wellness Warriors for many reasons. Some join us for the exercise or recreation only. Others thrill to that extra challenge of racing. Not everyone on our team races. We enter up to three boats in races. Dragon boat races are typically 250 or 500 meters, depending on the course, but can
- [For Sale](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/for-sale/) - Wellness Warriors Rain Jackets $80 Either send check for $80 to our address below, or you can pay $82 with PayPal (includes credit card fee). Please email president@wellnesswarriorsboston.org with the jacket size requested. Paypal link is paypal.me/WWBoston/82 Other items available (ask leadership at practice) Dragon saddles (commercial) $35 Dragon saddles (homemade) $3 Hats with WW
- [Coming soon!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/coming-soon-2024/) - Wellness Warriors will be racing in the 14th IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy in 2024! Wellness Warriors, Boston's dynamic all-cancer survivor paddling support group, takes its message of survivor power to Italy in 2024. The pandemic dashed our plans to race in the 2020 World Championships in France but we
- [Racing Boats](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/racing-boats/) - When it comes time to race, Wellness Warriors has three racing boats. All dragon boat paddlers, whether they practice more or less intensely, whether they race or not, and regardless on which boat they race, are all part of the same floating support group. We are all Wellness Warriors! Wellness Warriors dragon boat club’s mission
- [Membership Benefits](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/membership-benefits/) - Dragon boating on the scenic Charles River through the summer Stress relief Cardiovascular and strength training (known to reduce risk of cancer recurrence and increase well-being after cancer) Increased range of motion Camaraderie with other cancer survivors A chance to race against other survivor teams Your membership on the team includes practice sessions from May
- [Your donation supports Wellness Warriors!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/donate-ww/)
- [Your donations will send us to the Club Crew World Championships!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/donate-france/)
- [Why We Paddle](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/why-we-paddle/) - Visit our Featured Warriors page to read some of our stories! The following words were written by one of our original members and the words still hold true - except that we now have 3 additional coaches! "On or off the boat we are united as a team. We support and encourage each
- [Volunteers (Row 11)](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/volunteer-opportunities/) - The true backbone of any organization is its volunteers. It is people who give selflessly of their time and energy that make an organization work well. The same is true of the Wellness Warriors. We depend on our cadre of team members and volunteers for our success. We call our group of volunteers "Row 11" -
- [Terms of Use](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/terms-of-use/) - Use of this site is conditioned upon your continued acceptance of and compliance with the Terms of Use below. Please read these Terms of Use carefully, as use of the site constitutes acceptance of them. Wellness Warriors, Inc. (WWI) reserves the right to change the terms at any time. ​ Disclaimer You acknowledge that the
- [Team Calendar](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/calendar/)
- [Our Mission](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/mission/) - Our mission is to provide new opportunities for cancer survivors to heal - both physically and emotionally - by being active participants in their own recovery and part of a mutually empowering dragon boat team. ​ In addition, we are working to raise awareness within the metropolitan Boston survivor and medical professional community of the
- [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/privacy-policy/) - Wellness Warriors, Inc. (“WWI”) is firmly committed to ensuring online user privacy. We provide this notice to explain our online information-gathering practices and the choices you can make about the way information about you is collected and used. ​ Our Commitment to Privacy Because protecting the privacy of site visitors, including our customers, employees, and

## Image Hotspot

- [Sponsor a dragon boat seat!](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/points_image/sponsor-a-dragon-boat-seat-copy-3/)

## Categories

- [Training 2017-2018](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/training_2017-2018/)
- [Featured Warriors](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/featured/)
- [Team Development](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/team-development/)
- [Challenges](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/challenges/)
- [Workouts](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/workouts/)
- [Challenges 2018 - 2019](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/challenges-2018-2019/)
- [Workouts 2018-2019](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/workouts-2018-2019/)
- [2020 World Club Crew Championships in France](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/france/)
- [Blog](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/blog/)
- [Press Releases](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/category/press-releases/)

## Product categories

- [Uncategorized](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/uncategorized/)
- [Clothing](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/clothing/)
- [Gear](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/gear/)
- [Shirts](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/clothing/shirts/)
- [Jackets](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/clothing/jackets/)
- [Hats](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/clothing/other/)
- [Membership/Guest fee](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/membership/)
- [Special offers](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/special/)
- [Public Store](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/public/)
- [For Members](https://wellnesswarriorsboston.org/product-category/membersstore/) - Wellness Warriors has a limited supply of gear and logo’d apparel for sale for members. Order online and pick up your items from your team captains (no shipping). All proceeds from sales go to Wellness Warriors.