Annapolis Dragon Boat Club Empowers Breast Cancer Survivors Through Sport and Competition
A local dragon boat club is gaining recognition for its unique approach to supporting individuals battling and surviving breast cancer, offering both physical activity and a strong sense of community.
Allison Poltorak, a 62-year-old engineering executive from Annapolis, discovered she had breast cancer in 2018 despite having no family history of the disease. Seeking to maintain her physical health during treatment – including a mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy – she found support with the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club. “You can’t help but wonder what the future holds for you,” Poltorak said. “You’re wondering if you’re going to make it. What’s going to change in your life? Are you going to become a burden to your family?” She quickly found camaraderie with fellow survivors. “Most of them had been in my shoes, they were supportive in just the right way. It wasn’t a pity-like feeling, but a ‘you got this,’” Poltorak recalled. She now serves as a coach for the club.
Founded in 2010, the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club welcomes participants of all abilities, with members ranging in age from 34 to 87. The club hosts both casual “wellness paddles” and competitive “racing practices,” and is preparing to send a team of breast cancer survivors to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission’s Dragon Boat Festival in the French Alps next August. Research from organizations like the American Cancer Society demonstrates that regular exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Experts note that dragon boating, with its emphasis on upper body strength and endurance, can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from treatments like lymph node removal and radiation therapy, which can cause swelling and limited arm movement.
Rica Nelson, 45, of Hanover, experienced significant swelling under her arm after surgery, but found that it “pretty much gone” after a year of paddling with the club. Estela Diaz, 66, of Glen Burnie, rejoined the club after a second diagnosis, finding it provided emotional and psychological support that traditional counseling could not. “This has helped to rehabilitate me emotionally and psychologically,” Diaz said. The club’s success highlights the growing recognition of the importance of holistic approaches to cancer care, including the role of physical activity and social support in improving quality of life. You can learn more about dragon boating and its history here.
Club officials say they will continue to support individuals affected by breast cancer and promote the benefits of dragon boating as a means of recovery and empowerment.
