Put up Your Paddles With the Dragon Flies

COURTNEY McClure The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: The main focus of the Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group is to raise awareness about breast cancer and emphasize you can live a full life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

In 2023, Nancy, a breast cancer survivor, and a few friends decided they would start a dragon boat racing team together, and thus was born the Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group.

According to one of the Dragon Flies' members, Faye Castle, there are about 40 to 50 members involved in the group. However, all members are not breast cancer or cancer survivors.

Members who have not had breast cancer are called 'supporters,' and members who have had breast cancer are called 'survivors.'

"The Dragon Flies are like a sisterhood," described Ms. Faye, adding, "The members participate in many activities together to strengthen their bond. Some of these activities include water aerobics and hiking."

Ms. Castle was around 50 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she hadn't been participating in any team-oriented sports. However, that soon changed.

"I decided I'd like to do a team sport again," she explained. So, she and a coworker challenged each other to participate in a different sport.

Ms. Castle's coworker would participate in swimming while Ms. Castle herself would take up dragon boat racing. She contacted four dragon boat racing teams, seeking to join their sport. However, the Dragon Flies were the only team who responded.

Afterwards, Ms. Castle was invited to the Dragon Flies clubhouse in Oakwood.

"So I went to the meeting, liked what I'd heard and joined!" said Ms. Castle.

The team usually paddles their dragon boats around the Lindsay area in the Scugog River.

When Ms. Castle joined the Dragon Flies, she was reunited with her friend and high school classmate, Nancy Hanna.

"I had no idea this was what she [Nancy Hanna] was doing now!" said Ms. Castle.

The Dragon Flies host a meeting once a month. During the meetings, the members review the club's financial status, what events are coming up and any correspondence.

In May, the group has a three-day trip where they host a drumming circle and do other activities like pole-walking, painting and much more. The club also focuses on helping each other maintain a "healthy" lifestyle. The group's fundraising efforts go towards funding multiple local hospitals, including Lakeridge Health Port Perry. They have raised about 1.4 million dollars since the group opened over 20 years ago.

Ms. Castle said the Dragon Flies helped the Port Perry hospital fund their CT scanner. They also helped the Ross Memorial Hospital get an MRI machine.

If you are interested in becoming a member or have any questions about what the Dragon Flies do, please email info@thedragonflies.org.

To learn more about the Dragon Flies, please visit their website at thedragonflies.org or check out their open house on April 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The open house will be at 970 Eldon Road, in Oakwood.