ABOUT THE DRAGON DREAM TEAM
The Dragon Dream Team is a unique support group that gives a new face and meaning to breast cancer survivor. Members are women of all ages and backgrounds, from newly diagnosed to long-time survivors. When this team came together in 2007, it joined the more than 200 such groups and thousands of survivors around the world that discovered a pink dragon boat and the camaraderie of sister survivors could be the key to finding wellness and an active life after breast cancer.
Our History
The Dragon Dream Team began in 2007 with the efforts of breast cancer survivor (BCS) Jessica Mader and her doctor, Akron plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Wagner. During the summer months, 76-year-old Jessica was a member of a BCS dragon boat team in Nova Scotia. Back in Akron, her enthusiasm and positive attitude while undergoing cancer treatment inspired Dr. Wagner. He offered to purchase a full-size 20-paddler dragon boat, challenging Jessica to invite other breast cancer survivors to “get on board.” The boat was named Rex Dream. As our team continued to grow, it became evident that a second, full-size dragon boat was needed and this boat, named Rex Hope, was purchased in 2010. In 2016, to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, the team added a mini 10-person boat, named Rex Love.
Life After Cancer
Research strongly suggests that physical activity not only has a positive effect on the quality of life following a diagnosis of cancer, but may also improve and enhance survival. In 1995, Dr. Donald McKenzie, a Sports Medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, set out to confirm this notion with the very first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. The results were staggering. Through the camaraderie and sport of dragon boat paddling, Dragon Dream Team members are empowered to take back their lives and move forward in the spirit of fun, friendship, health and wellness.
Year-Round Activities
The Dragon Dream Team competes in local, national and international festivals and has raced in two world championships. Since 2013, the team has hosted the Dragons on the Lake Dragon Boat Festival to create breast cancer awareness and support. The event at Portage Lakes State Park brings together 1,000 corporate and community paddlers and participants from the northeast Ohio area. We also host our annual Breast of Friends Dinner & Auction Gala each spring.
Other off-season activities include winter fitness, participating in events to support breast cancer organizations and attending spring training camp.
Boatloads of Hope Outreach
Raising awareness and giving back to the community is an important part of the Dragon Dream Team’s mission. Boatloads of Hope is our outreach program for breast cancer patients, especially those coping with the challenges of treatment. Each year, we present hundreds of newly diagnosed survivors with a silk pashmina embroidered with our logo and a personalized message of hope. Boatloads of Hope is currently in 13 northeast Ohio hospitals and cancer centers.
New! Boatloads of Hope Scholarship
The Dragon Dream Team is proud to launch the Boatloads of Hope Scholarship, a new initiative inspired by our outreach program and our mission to move forward and share hope.
This scholarship honors students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, character, and the courage to keep moving forward — the same spirit that defines the Dragon Dream Team.
In its inaugural year, the Dragon Dream Team will award two $1,000 scholarships to eligible students connected to our community.
Application Deadline: April 15
Recipients Announced: May
Apply Now →
https://forms.gle/TenRt7yRMHdtfkLw5
Scholarship Overview
The Boatloads of Hope Scholarship was created as an extension of the Dragon Dream Team’s outreach efforts.
Through our Boatloads of Hope initiative, we deliver pashminas to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at local hospitals. That small gesture often becomes a powerful reminder that life continues beyond diagnosis.
The Boatloads of Hope Scholarship continues that spirit of encouragement by investing in the next generation.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
• A graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student
• Connected to the Dragon Dream Team community
• Demonstrating resilience, leadership, character, and community involvement
Application Timeline
Applications Open: Now
Application Deadline: April 15
Recipients Announced: May
Evaluation Process
All applications are reviewed anonymously by a five-member scholarship committee using a standardized scoring rubric to ensure a fair and impartial selection process.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Resilience and perseverance
• Leadership and initiative
• Character and integrity
• Community involvement and impact
To maintain fairness and transparency, reviewers do not participate in evaluating applications from individuals with whom they have a direct family connection.
Apply for the Scholarship
Ready to apply?
Submit your application using the link below.
Apply Now →
https://forms.gle/TenRt7yRMHdtfkLw5
Who can apply?
Eligible graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students connected to the Dragon Dream Team community.
How are recipients selected?
Applications are reviewed anonymously by a five-member scholarship committee using a standardized rubric.
When will recipients be announced?
Scholarship recipients will be announced in May.
In-Season Practice
Each paddling season, we practice three days a week at Craftsmen Park, located at 4450 Rex Lake Rd., Akron, OH 44319. We share a boathouse with the Portage Lakes Rowing Association. Our season begins in May and ends in October. New paddlers will be asked to sign a waiver and be fitted with a paddle and a personal flotation device.