SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Inspired by the courage of the dragon and the power of the paddle, The Dragon Dream Team is a dragon boat racing crew comprised entirely of breast cancer survivors. They’re celebrating their 16th season.

Dragon boat racing isn’t a widely known sport, but “you’re in a boat with 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer,” said founding member Erica Whitmer.

The Dragon Dream Team consists of more than 80 women, ranging from 40- to more than 80-years-old. The team practices three times per week, from May through the end of September. They practice at Craftsman Park on Rex Lake, just south of Akron.

“There’s no unimportant spot in the boat. It’s all important, and if you don’t work together, you’re not going to win, but the biggest part is the camaraderie and the support. This proves to ladies that have maybe never done a sport in their lives, that you can be strong again. You can do it,” said Whiter.

The paddling motion is therapeutic for those who needed surgery and live with lymphedema, like Chris Milcetich. This is her first season on the team.

“That constant movement has really helped the muscles heal, the scar tissue heal, the lymphatic system heal, so I feel like I’m stronger in one sense than I was before my cancer diagnosis,” said Milcetich.

Many of the women who experienced breast cancer several decades ago didn’t have support organizations, like this one, available at the time.

Whitmer recalls when she was diagnosed in 1996.

“There was no one around that I knew that had it. There was no information out there. I wouldn’t wear pink. I thought that I was less than a person. What this team taught me is I am more. It gave me my confidence back.”

The Dragon Dream Team also hosts an annual community festival. The Dragons on the Lake Dragon Boat Festival will be held Saturday, July 23. The community is invited to get in dragon boats and race.

Editor's Note: The previous version of this story stated it's Chris Milcetich second season on the team. It has been corrected to reflect that it's her first season on the team. (July 22, 2022)