Breast cancer survivors understand the importance of having support from those who have been — or still are — in their shoes. The healing process is aided by sharing that tough journey with someone who’s been there. And one way to surround oneself with such people is to join a team made up of other survivors.
That’s where the Mammoglams come in. The local dragon boat racing team is composed of “loud, fun, classy, sassy breast cancer survivors” who celebrate their accomplishments together, support one another in all of life’s many challenges and never say never.
The team is part of the Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club and trains at Beach Marine, 2315 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Their motto is: “We’ve won the battle … now let’s paddle!”
A dragon boat is a type of rowboat, 42 feet in length, that seats 20 synchronized paddlers in two rows of 10. At the bow is a drummer who provides the cadence for the paddlers. At the stern is the steerer.
The first dragon boat races were held more than 2,000 years ago in China. Today, there are more than 50 million participants worldwide. Teams are often comprised of groups with a certain identity. There may be all-male teams, all-female teams, teams for certain age ranges for those over 40, 50, 60 or 70. And, of course, teams like the Mammoglams for breast cancer survivors.
The origin of the group goes back a dozen years. Jeri Millard, a breast cancer survivor herself who runs the In The Pink nonprofit, was at a speaking engagement for the American Cancer Society, and a married couple approached her, pitching the idea for a dragon boat team.
This was the fourth time someone had spoken to her about it. She filed it away for later, but eventually thought it might be worth looking into.
So, she held some fundraisers and put down payments on two dragon boats, which cost $15,000 apiece. Team member dues would pay off the loans Millard had taken out to fund the purchase.
The team was a success, and for several years Millard and her husband — who competes with Team USA — presented the Jacksonville Dragon Boat festival. The first year, the event attracted 50 teams.
“It was a great festival,” Millard said. “Everybody loved it.”
It was also the biggest fundraiser for Millard’s In The Pink nonprofit, held first at The Landing, then Metro Park. Now, however, the festival is in hiatus until Millard can find a new place to hold it.
In the meantime, the Mammoglams continue to train and compete across the state and the nation.
But winning a race is only a part of the Mammoglams’ value. More importantly, the members act as a support group.
“We have lots of fun together, and we all travel together,” Millard said. “We’ve become a family to each other.”
They share their experiences with treatment, advice, personal struggles and major challenges along the road of life’s journey.
“There’s so much support there,” said Millard. “It’s amazing.”
It helps that paddling a dragon boat is something most people of any age can do, even if they have medical issues.
In fact, a study found that paddling actually improved circulation for breast cancer survivors. But it benefits survivors in other ways, as well.
“It improves their overall outlook on life, because when you start exercising and your endorphins kick in, you feel better,” Millard said. “You feel better about yourself. And you’re meeting other people who are in a situation just like you.”
To learn more about the Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club, go to jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com. The club can also be found on meetup.com.
To connect with Millard and learn about the Mammoglams, call her at 904-534-3266 or at In The Pink, 904-372-0029.
