2010 PFP BCS Teams

		Hope Afloat (Philadelphia) 2009 First Place Winners Hope Afloat was formed in Philadelphia in 2001. Our mission is to help survivors of breast cancer make positive emotional, spiritual, and physical changes in their lives through the ancient sport of Dragon Boat Racing. We encourage survivors, regardless of age or athletic ability, to "awaken the dragon within" by providing them with hope, support, camaraderie, and adventure. Our team members come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Hope Afloat has provided opportunities to share new goals and new experiences. It's not just that we are survivors together - we have paddled and raced together, lifted boats together, traveledtogether, eaten together, celebrated as well as mourned together. We are dedicated to changing the image of breast cancer survivors in our communitiesand the world by showing we can lead full and active lives after breast cancer, keep fit and healthy to reduce stress; and most importantly, have FUN!
		Machestic Dragons (Princeton) 1st Place (2008), 2nd Place (2007, 2009, 2010) The Machestic Dragons are New Jersey's first Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team. We are passionate about dragon boating. Since our inception in 2002 we have expanded our membership to include supporters. Some of us have traveled the world to race in a dragon boat and all of us have experienced the joy of paddling together here in Central Jersey. We draw hope, strength, camaraderie and heartfelt team support as we paddle into the gorgeous sunsets on Lake Mercer. We are thrilled to welcome all to our 4th Paddle For Pink dragon boat festival to benefit our partner, the Breast Cancer Resource Center of the Princeton YWCA. Paddle strong, live long!
		Pathways Team SOS NJ Third Place Winners (2009, 2010) Pathways Team SOS (Save Our Sisters) represents NJ Dragon Boat Club's (Lake Parsippany, NJ) 3rd year women's Breast Cancer Survivor Team, and is open to women of all fitness levels, from exercise enthusiasts to novices and also to their supporters. There is something about "being all in the same boat," literally and figuratively, with other survivors that is motivating and inspiring as more women seek active ways to cope with cancer and receive the support and companionship of their "sisters" who have coped with something similar. Our mission is to provide support, information and wellness programs for women with cancer, creating a community in which shared experiences lead to personal growth and healing. We continue to offer a variety of support groups, educational and wellness programs in addition to our newer fitness oriented programs such as Dragon Boating and Get Your Groove Back.
		GoPink!DC (Washington, DC) 2007 3rd Place Winners GoPink!DC is based in the Nation's Capital and is affiliated with the National Capital Area Women's Paddling Association. Our members come from the DC Metro area and practice out of the historic Anacostia Boat House next to the Navy Yard in southwest DC. We paddle with members of other BCS teams as we outreach to our breast cancer communities to fill our boat. GoPink!DC members are committed to validating the health and strength of those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. Our ages range from mid-thirties to never mind... and our physical prowess improves with each practice. We provide an environment to challenge our bodies and minds to do far more than simply survive breast cancer, instead, to triumph over it. http://www.gopinkdc.com
		River Sisters 2007 & 2010 First Place Winners The "Sisters" are made up of women from the Camden County area who have all been touched by cancer. Most of the women are survivors of the disease, others have been affected by the struggle of loved ones who have faced the illness. These women refuse to be victims, they choose to be empowered and this much they know - they are not alone, they are a team. Pooling their energies, they paddle their hearts, not just for a cause, but for each other. www.riversirens.com
		Gilda's Gladiators (Gilda's Club of South Jersey, Linwood, NJ) Our motto has always been "you show, you row." Well, look out fellow dragon boaters, we've showed!!! Gilda's Club is home to a diverse community of South Jersey residents whose lives have been touched by cancer. A collection of non-threatening, nutty novices - notorious for our hootin' and hollerin' in the back bays of Absecon Island, we routinely "let it ride" to pause and relate our personal messages of inspiration and courage. And while with each stroke we find solace, hope and a renewed measure of control in our own lives, our commitment to each other has forged a unique bond. It serve s to keep us "light on the water" and ever thankful for the privilege of being part of such a truly amazing team.
		Empire Dragon Boat Team