Abreast in the Rockies “Paddles Up” for Breast Cancer Support

Cranbrook, BC… The most recent and very successful fundraiser by the Abreast in the Rockies Dragon Boat Team was a raffle for a custom made quilt. The beautifully made quilt was designed, made and lovingly donated by Tanis Rye of Kimberley who is a 40 year breast cancer survivor. Tickets sold quickly and the winner of the quilt was Marianne Marunchak.

From this and other fundraisers $2,500 is now being donated by the Abreast in the Rockies paddling team to the 8th annual Starlite Campaign directed to the team’s breast cancer fund. Over the years the funds, stewarded by EKFH, provided funding for a refurbishment of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s oncology unit and purchased two sentinel node biopsy probes through a funding partnership with the Kimberley Dynamiters Hockey Club.

Donna Grainger, EKFH Executive Director shares, “It is truly inspiring to see how committed the Abreast in the Rockies Dragonboat team is dedicated to supporting breast cancer equipment and patient comfort needs at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. They are absolute role models in showing that there is life after breast cancer.”

The Dragon Boat Team established in 2006 and now has over 30+ paddlers made up of breast cancer survivors and supporters. The role of the organization is to raise awareness of breast cancer and to show that women with breast cancer can lead full and active lives. Funds raised by the group are utilized to help fund various breast cancer projects and team equipment needs.

The team’s next fundraiser is Kootenay News Advertiser’s Women’s Expo – Saturday, March 12 – 10 am to 4 pm held at the Prestige Hotel.

For more information on the Abreast in the Rockies Dragon Boat Team call Sandy Zeznik at 250 417-9376, email: [email protected]. You can also like them on Facebook.