Throughout the summer months, many communities with Dragon Boat teams hold festivals/races.  Breast cancer teams play a huge role in these festivals.  They promote awareness of breast cancer and celebrate the lives of those who are paddling and those who have lost their fight.

To date, Survivor's on Shortt's Lake have participated in festivals in Nova Scotia including:
Sydney
Dartmouth
New Glasgow

During breast cancer dragon boat festivals, several teams are brought together for a day of racing, education, fundraising and fun.  Teams are divided into novice and experienced divisions, as well as Corporate ,Community and Breast Cancer Teams.

When  we compete at festivals, we are introduced as a breast cancer survivor team.  We want the public to see a different face of breast cancer.  Hopefully if they or someone they know get a breast cancer diagnosis they will remember a boat full of survivors, paddling hard, and having a good time competing.  That image just
might take the edge off the terror of the diagnosis and give a message of hope for recovery.


Carnation Ceremony
The Carnation ceremony has become an important tradition in breast cancer survivor racing. The Ceremony usually follows  the "Breast Cancer Final race.  This is the time we remember acquaintances and loved ones, family and friends who have lost their battle with breast cancer.  We allow ourselves to grieve.

We grieve because we know the difficulties breast cancer brings to everyone. We sit gunnel to gunnel and hand to hand  - a commentator, often a survivor will say a few words about awareness, and the importance of celebrating the lives of survivors, and offering hope to those still battling the disease, and of honouring those who have tragically lost their battle.

Often this is followed by a musical selection.  When the ceremony comes to a close we toss our carnations into the water, as do the audience on shore, many who have relatives and friends affected by the disease.

Hugs and reassurances pass among us.  We know we are strong.  Together we can help each other and also those who unfortunately will come to know cancer.