Who We Are
We are a team of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters! In the summer of 2005, with the help and
encouragement of Tom & Linda Donner and Barb Michaels, our Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) Team was started. When we were asked to compete in the Fort Dodge Festival and think of a Team name, we hesitated. “We don’t even know what we are doing and we are too new for a name,” we stated. Well, after a few days, we were on the water and Tom Donner volunteered to be our Coach, Trainer and Sternsman. You know, we went to that Fort Dodge Festival and our Team name was “Too New for a Name!”
​
The following year, we picked our current team name of “Fighting Angels Abreast”! We also started going outside of Fort Dodge, Iowa to meet and participate with other BCS Teams in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, Iowa. In 2007, we ventured to Welland, Canada and participated in the IDBF World CorCom event with other BCS Teams. Being close to Niagara Falls, we built in extra time to visit the Falls and see the sites in the area...what a memorable team experience that was. We are looking for you to fill our boat!
What We Do
Our Team has participated in breast cancer fundraising activities, some of which have been the
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, the Webster Count Relay for Life and the Wright County Relay for Life. The Team has participated in parades in Fort Dodge with the local Da’Dragons and as a BCS Team in Eagle Grove, utilizing the dragon boat to raise public awareness to the sport of Dragon Boating and the Team. Some team members have also individually sponsored events to raise money for Breast Cancer Research (i.e. home parties, golf tournaments, etc.) or have assisted in local fundraisers (i.e. Angel Ride) with proceeds going toward cancer patient assistance.
We paddle as a team in events to meet other BCS Teams and share our support! We are here to support each other and to support all women and their families touched by breast cancer. We share our stories, our fears and our triumphs. As Fighting Angels Abreast, we get silly, we laugh, we cry... but together our mission is to celebrate life as a symbol of strength and hope to each other and all those touched by breast cancer.
What We Are
The main goal of our BCS dragon boat team is to promote awareness of the positive outcomes of early detection. Fifteen years, ten years, five years, two years, one year—survival... we all have our number! But we have survived!
We have conquered the big dragon on the water... BREAST CANCER! We do, however, remember those who have lost the battle to breast cancer too. A flower ceremony is held at race events we have attended whereby the BCS teams paddle out a distance on the water and then turn and join boats together and float back toward shore. A song is played and a memorial or story is read honoring those not with us. Carnations are then tossed into the water and all is quiet as the boats continue floating towards the shore as we remember our loved ones. Even those on the shore are silent. Sniffles can be heard in the boat and then the silent hugs of care and concern for each other. This, in itself, is a ceremony you will never forget and one in which we honor your loved ones!
How You Can Support Us
You can make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and thrivers.
Help support the Fighting Angels in our mission to inspire, restore and empower through dragon boat competition and team connection. To help out, you can give a donation to our organization, or donate to our silent auction in the annual Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash. You can also become a sponsor in this annual event.
To Fighting Angels Abreast
OR
Join the annual
Join Us!
To join the Team, please contact any Fighting Angels Abreast Team Member or submit a contact form below. You can also follow us on Facebook at Fighting Angels Abreast Dragon Boat Team.
While visiting the Trinity Cancer Center, feel free to ask about the Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We’ve donated funds towards wigs, scarves, travel, and some expenses not covered by insurance. While at your Oncology appointment, talk to your Doctor and ask him/her if you are ready to join the team...you want to get your mobility back again and we’d like to have you join our Team!
​
Co-Captains
Cheryl Lychwick at 515-573-7066 or e-mail at bcsdistrict@yahoo.com
Marilyn Meier at 515-571-1719 or e-mail at mz_marilyn_m@ yahoo.com
Visit our Facebook Page!
Get in Touch
Cheryl Lychwick at 515-573-7066 or e-mail at bcsdistrict@yahoo.com
​
Marilyn Meier at 515-571-1719 or e-mail at mz_marilyn_m@ yahoo.com