<div>My name is Kristin and I am a breast cancer survivor. I have the incredible honor and privilege to go to Germany in July to represent the United States of America at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
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<div>I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2023. I went through surgery to remove the cancer that year and have continued treatment to help prevent the cancer from returning. The surgery and radiation treatment left me with some lymphedema, surgery site pain, and loss of range of motion in my arm. Physical therapy helped tremendously but I still wasn’t feeling myself. My nurse practitioner recommended I try dragon boating as many breast cancer survivors find the paddling motion very helpful. There are dragon boat teams dedicated to breast cancer survivors all over the world including here in Arizona.
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<div>I contacted the Phoenix Desert Dragons BCP (breast cancer paddler) group, went to a practice, and was immediately hooked. I joined that team in August 2024 and because I couldn’t get enough paddling, I joined a second non-BCP team called Phoenix Fire Dragons, in October. I have never felt better physically, mentally, or emotionally in my entire life. I can say with all honesty that the sport of dragon boating saved my life.
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<div>In November 2024, it was announced that at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany in July 2025, they will include for the first time ever, a Breast Cancer Paddler Division. I immediately decided to increase my training to see if I could qualify to represent the United States in the World Championships. This was a lofty goal as I have only been in the sport for a short amount of time, but I wanted the challenge.
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<div>In January 2025, I started attending training camps, paddling on the lake as much as possible, training off the water, and performing time trials. All the hard work paid off because I made Team USA for the Breast Cancer Paddler Division! I will be paddling in a boat with the best of the best in the United States. Our team is made up of some of the strongest, fiercest, and inspirational women I have the privilege of knowing.
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<div>I am honored and humbled to be able to participate in this historic event. In order to get to Germany, I would appreciate your support and any donations to make this journey possible. Donations received will be used to cover the costs for travel, uniforms, transportation, registration, etc.
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<div>Thank you for supporting me on this journey and…. Go TEAM USA!!!
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Lori Grant-Koehler

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Kimberly Guerra

Claudia Martinez

Tek Li

Shelly Russnak

Anonymous

Evelyn Walker

Alicia Mitchell

Jennifer Landers

RC Eckert

Renee Stanbery

Tammy Mowen

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