Both presenters are breast cancer survivors who dragon boat paddle with the La Crosse Mississippi Sisters. Competing throughout the Midwest and internationally, this team offers hope to all who have been impacted by cancer.  Each paddle stroke proves that life after cancer can be active, purposeful, and rewarding.  At the same time, each paddler feels alive, empowered, and loved.  Today’s presentation will help you better understand these life-affirming outcomes.

Carla Swerman:  My breast cancer story started in 2002, when, at age 40, an inflamed lymph node proved to be cancerous.  After a double mastectomy (my choice), chemo, radiation, and reconstruction, I resumed my active lifestyle.  I even became a stronger runner as well as a yoga addict.  When the Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival started in La Crosse in 2013, I captained two teams from Root Down Yoga Studio.  But, the very next year, I was in the Mississippi Sisters’ boat and wouldn’t dream of abandoning it.  Nothing equals the thrill of paddling in sync and at “full throttle” with 19 other resilient women. Nothing compares to hearing words of encouragement or laughter when practicing on the Black River.  Nothing can diminish my admiration for these caring women who have a surprising zest for life.  We truly are “better together”!

Lisa Mellen:  I am a daughter, a sister, and an aunt with little to no genetic history of breast cancer.  Yet, I am a 13-year survivor.  On March 6, 2012, I heard the words, “You have breast cancer.”  After my surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstruction, I received a letter inviting me to be a part of a dragon boat team.  I didn’t even know what dragon boating was!  Nor was I comfortable with swimming.  Yet, I soon found myself in a dragon boat on the Mississippi River, something I never would have imagined.  From the start, I have treasured the “sisterhood” I found.  Whether working out, practicing, racing, fund raising, or just “laying low,” I feel valued and empowered by the other women – my “Sisters”!