Bernie’s Boat
Bernie’s Boat is a dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors who paddle for strength, connection, and fun. Through teamwork and determination, we celebrate life, support each other, and embrace the healing power of the water.
We’re A Team of Breast Cancer Survivors
We’re a supportive community of breast cancer survivors who first came together in May 2024 to enjoy the powerful experience of dragon boat paddling. Dragon Boating for Breast Cancer Survivors is a renowned international movement inspired by Canadian sports medicine specialist Dr. Don McKenzie. By paddling together, we enhance our physical health and emotional well-being while also creating lasting friendships.
Our team is named in honor of Bernie Schlauch, the founder of the Grey Bruce Dragon Boat Club, who sadly passed away from metastatic breast cancer before she had the chance to create a team of breast cancer survivors.
We support the development of recreational dragon boat paddling as a contribution to physical, mental, emotional, and social health for those diagnosed with breast cancer. We encourage breast cancer survivors to paddle with us within the framework of participation and inclusion.
Our Mission
GET INVOLVED
Have Fun. Make New Friends.
Our team welcomes everyone, regardless of prior experience in dragon boat paddling! You don’t need any special athletic talent or muscle strength to join us. Right now, over 40 of us, all proud breast cancer survivors, have found joy in paddling with Bernie’s Boat. We have plenty of room for more participants, and we’d love to invite more breast cancer survivors to join our amazing community. The day you are diagnosed is the day you become a survivor!
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“Bernie’s Boat is a powerful reminder that we are enough.”
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"Bernie's Boat symbolizes strength, resilience and love."
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"The fun, the laughter and the knowledge that I can do this makes me happy."
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"Cancer touched my boobs, so I kicked its butt!"
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"We're all in the same boat!"
Bernie’s Blog
Your generous donation helps keep us paddling!
Bernie’s Boat operates entirely on volunteer contributions and is managed by its members. Being a non-profit organization, we depend on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising to sustain our activities.
If you’d like to donate, please send by e-transfer to donate@berniesboat.ca.
(Security question for e-transfer: Where will Bernie’s Boat be moored? Answer: Southampton)