Bosom Buddies is a local group of 60-80 Nova Scotian breast cancer survivors who paddle dragon boats across Lake Banook 3 times a week. They are a 100% volunteer-based organization who share a vision of raising breast cancer awareness and are also committed to supporting each other during their recovery. Paddling as a team of survivors increases their self-esteem while also building their physical and emotional health!  

Did you know that dragon boat racing has been proven to help breast cancer survivors avoid one of the most painful and difficult complications that can occur after the surgical removal of lymph nodes? Lymphedema is the painful swelling in the area where the lymph nodes had been removed and intense upper-body exercise is believed to decrease the risk of the complication.

Don Mackenzie, a sports medicine specialist at the University of British Columbia, began a study in 1996 with 24 breast cancer survivors to debunk the myth that an increase of blood flow to the extremities would cause lymphedema. This team of women completed a multi-month training program then launched into the water aboard their dragon boat, “Abreast in a Boat.”  Over a year and a half later, it was documented that not one of the survivors who participated in the study developed lymphedema during or after the study. The remarkable results of this study were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and more than 20 years later has turned into a medical movement amongst breast cancer survivors!

Breast cancer deeply impacts not only the patients but also their loved ones, caregivers, and so many more. Having a strong support system who truly knows firsthand what you’re thinking/feeling is empowering and essential to a survivor’s recovery process on a physical, mental, and emotional level. For this reason, we have donated 24 non-slip dragon boat seats to Bosom Buddies!

As you can see from the images above, the seat covers provide a larger surface area and added comfort for the paddlers as they train on Lake Banook.

We believe that it’s important to help support volunteer groups like Bosom Buddies that focus on uplifting and supporting those on their road to recovery! We thank you for all that you do for the community!