Breast Cancer Survivors Find Community in Dragon Boating
Orlando-based survivors find physical and emotional support through participating in competitive dragon boat racing.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer
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Orlando breast cancer survivors on the Warriors on Water dragon boat team recently placed 17th out of 145 teams at an international competition in France. Founded in 2009, the team based at Lake Fairview serves as a support network for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Why it matters
The team provides a critical support system and sense of community for survivors and women currently fighting breast cancer. By participating in physically demanding athletic pursuits, members demonstrate the value of social and emotional engagement during cancer recovery.
The Warriors on Water team, which ranges from 40 to 79 years old, secured 17th place among 145 international teams in a recent competition. Their performance in this event underscores the endurance and synchronization possible for survivors of varying ages and treatment histories.
The players
Warriors on Water
An Orlando-based dragon boat team composed of breast cancer survivors founded in 2009.
Jamie Davis
A member of the team and former firefighter paramedic who underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation.
The details
Dragon boat racing requires 20 rowers to sit in 10 seats, operating as a single unit to propel the vessel. Team members, including former firefighter paramedic Jamie Davis, rely on synchronized strokes to manage the boat, a physical commitment that mirrors the internal support they offer women battling cancer. Davis, who completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation immunotherapy, represents the diverse medical backgrounds of the Lake Fairview-based group.
Timeline
The team was established in 2009.
The competition took place recently in France.
Health Landscape
The dragon boat racing movement for breast cancer survivors marks a significant shift from historical medical advice of physical inactivity following treatment. The Warriors on Water team extends this trend by demonstrating how collaborative athletic competition serves as a support network.
Participating in group-based physical activities can offer emotional benefits and a vital support network for those navigating a cancer diagnosis. Women currently battling cancer or in recovery may consider exploring local community groups, though it is worth discussing new exercise routines with your doctor.
The takeaway
Engaging in consistent, synchronized physical activity can provide both personal fulfillment and a strong social support network for survivors. Consider asking your oncology team about local support groups that incorporate physical activity as part of a holistic approach to your long-term health.
Further reading
For more on supportive care, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WESH.
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