Flory’s First Year: a Dragon Divas newbie shares her experience

by Flory Sommers

I found the Dragon Divas by accident. I had recently joined the Firefly Sisterhood, a peer support group for women with breast cancer. In their March newsletter, I saw an invitation: Looking for connection and literary discussion? The Dragon Divas Book Club invites you to join their monthly gathering.

Dragon Divas? Intriguing name. I went to their website.

Dragon as in dragon boat? Intriguing and intimidating!

But I like books. I love books! So, I sent an email and received a welcoming reply from Mary Skrypek, one of the founders. She asked if I was comfortable with a phone call and we arranged a time to talk. I was charmed by Mary’s warmth as she told me the history of the Divas. They were celebrating their 20th anniversary as a team. Moreover, I believed in the mission – “to demonstrate that a full life is possible after a breast cancer diagnosis… we embody the message of hope that even though we were given a tough diagnosis, we joyously thrive.” In community.

The very next day I was matched with a mentor! So, this was happening?

“Wow,” I thought, “when they say ‘Join us’ they really mean it!”

No one wants the necessary credentials to join a dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors, but once I got in the boat, those credentials became a blessing. I was embraced as a “newbie,” swaddled in support and encouragement. Some Divas were diagnosed 25 years ago; some are currently going through treatment. The team made it clear: whether we were a “newbie” to cancer or a “newbie” to dragon boat paddling, we immediately belonged. We were all in the same boat, and there was always a place for us in the boat.

Suddenly, I had a large new group of fun friends who shared a common purpose while we were on the water – we had to paddle in sync. Twenty teammates paddling in rhythm is poetry in motion. One heart, one beat, one boat is our mantra… and that’s how it feels out there on the waves. We are all a part of one great heart.

Grateful, I wanted to do my part, I wanted to improve my stamina and core to better paddle with my teammates. Until I got in the boat, I thought most of the work was done by the arms (not that I had Popeye biceps or anything close.) I learned that we rely on our abdominals, obliques, back muscles and legs for most of the power in paddling. After my TRAM-Flap breast reconstruction, I defaulted on the idea of ever having abdominal strength again. Inspired by my team, I strength-trained with a renewed focus that continued through the off-season. I used to say Pilates was too hard, I’d lost too much muscle. Thanks to my Dragonboat team, I’ve become a devotee.

The Dragon Divas believe in supporting the physical health of its members year-round. Group fitness classes are scheduled weekly, free to members, to help us maintain during the off-season, and each class is different. At my first fitness class with the Divas, the instructor handed out green drumsticks. I concentrated so hard on clacking and pounding to the beat, I didn’t notice how many lunges and squats we were doing. Exercising mind and body!

Along with physical support, there are many opportunities for emotional and communal support. Writing retreats, salsa dancing, volunteering, attending plays and concerts, taiko drumming… And yes, Book Club.

In my first season with the Dragon Divas, I attended four out-of-town dragon boat festivals: Chicago, IL; Starbuck, MN; Superior, WI; and Kansas City, MO.  Festivals are special. Road trips and roommates provide opportunities for long conversations that further cement our friendships. Sometimes, we don’t talk about cancer at all; but if we choose to, the context is already there. The understanding born from our “credentials.”

This summer, I’ll be paddling at the IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival in France, with breast cancer survivors from around the world.

When I joined the Dragon Divas, I gained more than a book club. I gained a new sport, increased fitness, and a joyful and soulful community.  Locally, nationally, internationally.

Maybe it wasn’t an accident, my finding the Dragon Divas. And maybe, in the mysterious ways the universe works, it was the Divas who found me.