one by one®: Wellness Warriors
Wellness Warriors supports cancer survivors in a unique way. Founded in 2007 and run entirely by survivors, the Boston organization combines physical activity, community and the ancient sport of dragon boat racing as a holistic approach to recovery and wellness.
Paddle power: Keeping dreams and motivation afloat
With roots that can be traced back centuries, the Chinese sport of dragon boat racing emphasizes teamwork and synchronization. Each boat seats 20 people, and to glide like magic through the water, every person must do their part.
“Dragon boat racing gives a sense of being one with your team. There is no space for individuals to just power through. If you’re out of time with your team, it slows everyone down,” said Erica Bernstein, treasurer and board member. “It’s also a meditative process because you have to be focused on your technique. When they’re on the water, people aren’t thinking about cancer or the difficulties they’re having. They’re feeling grateful to be alive and, in the moment, proud of their bodies for powering through.”
Wellness Warriors is highly inclusive. It welcomes survivors of all cancer types, and its teams include individuals with various disabilities, such as blindness or limb loss due to cancer. Volunteers work hard to ensure everyone receives the support needed to participate to the best of their ability—from paddling vigorously to simply rocking in time.
“Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer reoccurrence by about 30%, so it is a big focus. Group exercise helps keep people committed. There are also known benefits of what’s called ‘nature bathing’ to cancer survivorship, which is why most of what we do is outside,” Bernstein continued.
During warmer months, members train three days per week on the water. The rest of the year, they complete indoor training and multiple outdoor activities, like hiking and snowshoeing.
Fundraising bags propel survivor-athletes to dragon boat glory
Participants get the opportunity to be as competitive as they wish. They regularly participate in local and national dragon boat races. This year, 25 members have the honor of competing in Club Crew World Championships in Italy, a prestigious event that brings together top teams from around the globe.
To help subsidize the trip, volunteers are running a fundraising campaign. They’re selling grocery totes outside local stores, available for a donation of $10 or more. Purchased with a one by one grant, the fundraising bags are imprinted with the organization’s key messages: “Stronger Together” and “Cancer Steals, Paddling Heals.”
A note from Cheryl
It’s incredible to see how dragon boat racing supports cancer survivors in their recovery journey. The resulting sense of unity and shared purpose is something that 4imprint was proud to support by providing the organization with fundraising bags. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.