The Doha Wireless Warriors

October 25, 2020

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DRAGON BOAT TEAM FOR CANCER SURVIVORS & SUPPORTERS

Breast cancer dragon boat teams started 22 years ago on the west coast of Canada by Dr. MacKenzie.

He conducted a study with 22 breast cancer survivors to show women that they could still be strong and that they could exercise after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. He also wanted to demonstrate to medical practitioners that women could help manage their lymphedema by paddling (swelling of the arm when lymph nodes have been removed).

There are now hundreds of breast cancer dragon boat teams all over the world and now, there is one here in Qatar!

Dragon Boating is a great way to:

* Build your strength

* Help manage Lymphoedema

* Develop friendships with other survivors and supporters

* Learn a new skill

* Remind you that ANYTHING is possible

* Make you part of a global community

* Give you exercise you look forward to each week

*Ensure you laugh a lot! 🙂

The Doha Wireless Warriors began in November 2014 after its founder was re-diagnosed with breast cancer. Already a member of a local dragon boat team, as well as one in her home town in Canada, her goal was to offer dragon boat sessions to survivors to build community, share her love of the sport and help manage, or prevent, lymphedema. (Lymphedema is a swelling of the arms when lymph nodes are removed. This swelling can be very uncomfortable and since paddling helps to keep the lymph fluid moving, it can help reduce swelling.)

Paddling is a great way to meet like-minded people while you gain strength and confidence. It teaches you how to move in synch with others and provides a safe place for survivors to simply ‘be’ without feeling the need to talk about their diagnosis.