Kalispell Regional Healthcare rallies cancer survivors and supporters to join dragon boat teams
KRH has signed on as title sponsor of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, which returns to Volunteer Park in Lakeside this September.
Dragon boat racing has long been championed by the medical community for its mind-body benefits. Recognizing this, Kalispell Regional Healthcare has signed on as title sponsor of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, which returns to Volunteer Park in Lakeside September 10-11, 2016.
“Kalispell Regional Healthcare is committed to promoting a healthy community and active lifestyle, and we’re happy to put that mission into practice by supporting the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, which gives people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to engage in healthy activity in a very supportive and dynamic setting,” said Tagen Vine, president of Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation.
Kalispell Regional Healthcare staff and patients have been part of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival since it began in 2012, with participants from the Journey to Wellness program and the Save a Sister initiative, a collaboration with North Valley Hospital and the Flathead City-County Health Department that provides local breast cancer awareness and services.
“Through the years we’ve had several teams and volunteers from the Kalispell Regional Healthcare participate in the festival, and now we’re delighted to have their ongoing support as title sponsor,” said Diane Medler, director of the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau. “The wonderful thing that we all recognize is the special inclusive nature of dragon boating. Success in this sport is much more about teamwork than individual strength, and that’s why so many people at varying levels can participate – whether you’re recovering from an illness and getting back in shape or are already a fit athlete.”
Dragon boating across North America has a unique following among breast cancer survivors for its special team-building qualities. Breast cancer survivor teams from across the United States and Canada have attended the Montana Dragon Boat Festival each year. Since its start, Save a Sister has been intimately tied to the Montana Dragon Boat Festival and is an integral part of the festival’s annual breast cancer ceremony, honoring breast cancer survivors and those who have passed.
“The festival provides a unique platform for Save a Sister to share its message of hope and support with local breast cancer survivors and as part of a global community,” said Vera Smith, a volunteer and board member with the organization. “Paddling with women who have been through the same experience as you is like a sisterhood. I’m a 20-year breast cancer survivor and the camaraderie of a dragon boat team still provides healing.”
Currently, Save a Sister is recruiting breast cancer survivors from across western Montana for the Save a Sister dragon boat team. “There is no previous experience necessary,” said Smith, designated team recruiter. “Women at every stage of recovery are welcome. You don’t need to be strong and buff. I’m 75 and have paddled with people of all ages.” Breast cancer survivors or supporters are welcome to call Smith at (406) 471-9157 for more information about the team.
Dr. Pam Roberts, the program physician for Journey to Wellness, recognizes the health benefits for people recovering from all kinds of health challenges. “The reason I dragon boat and encourage others to do so is because it is so inspiring,” Roberts said. “If you’re recovering from an illness or just want to try the sport, the beauty and connection you get from being part of the team will be a great inspiration.”
Cancer Support Community – another community-based program of Kalispell Regional Healthcare, where people experiencing cancer can find emotional and practical support – is recruiting survivors of all other cancers as well as family members, friends and caregivers for a dragon boat team of its own. Anyone interested in joining the Cancer Support Community team may call (406) 752-0130.
The local dragon boat team Flathead Dragonflies and its coaches welcome everyone to try dragon boating prior to the September festival. Contact certified dragon boat coach Alida Tinch at flatheaddragonflies@gmail.com or (406) 579-6654 to arrange a dragon boat training session. Individuals or groups are welcome, and the first two sessions are free.
About the Montana Dragon Boat Festival
Founded in 2012 by the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival has quickly become one of Montana’s signature events – attracting festival participants and spectators from across the United States and Canada. Held annually in September on the beautiful shores of Flathead Lake, the festival hosts two days of competitive and recreational dragon boat racing, the ancient paddling sport with roots in China. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steersman race in 46-foot dragon boats that feature a dragon head at the bow and a dragon tail at the stern. The festival’s title sponsor is Kalispell Regional Healthcare.
