Who We Are
Dragon Boat Charleston (DBC) has been redefining cancer survivorship since 2003. We are made up of more than 150 cancer survivors and community members in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. DBC hosts recreational and social gatherings throughout the year, has off-season programs like Winter Wellness, and participates in several races each year. Some call it a floating support group, some call it a family. Whatever it is…it’s life changing!
In 2000, Janet Bloch, ANP and Cindy Carter, Ph.D. laid the groundwork for Dragon Boat Charleston, believed to be the first all-cancer survivor team in the U.S. View Liz Oakley's award winning film, Awaken the Dragon to learn more about Dragon Boat Charleston.
Our Mission
We promote physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating.
Our Founders
DBC GOALS
- Nourish the mind, body and spirit of cancer survivors and their community.
- Provide a resource for our community demonstrating courage, determination and group cooperation.
- Advance the sport of dragon boating by providing recreational and competitive dragon boat opportunities to club members and the community, and promote the inclusion of all cancer survivor teams in dragon boat festivals.
- Advance awareness of the Dragon Boat Charleston model by demonstrating the beneficial effects of our mission on survivorship.
Financial Accountability
To view our most recent Form 990, please CLICK HERE
Our Organization
DBC Board of Directors
Laura Francis, Chair
Lois Rinehimer, Vice Chair
Andrea Hughes, Treasurer
Rosa Fullerton, Secretary
Tanya Berg, Director
Jane Charles, Director
Rita Jones, Director
Debbie Philips, Director and Member Liaison
Donna Rizer, Director
Deb Yakunich, Director
DBC Staff
Sarah Evans
Executive Director
sarah@dragonboatcharleston.org
859.582.0386
Lucy Spears
Director of Development and Community Engagement
lucy@dragonboatcharleston.org
843.810.4276
DBC Milestones
August 2000
Janet Bloch, ANP and Cindy Carter, Ph.D. receive funding to travel to University of British Columbia to meet with Don McKenzie, MD, Ph.D. and Sandy Smith of Abreast In A Boat.May 2002
Dragon boat arrives in Charleston sponsored by Aventis Pharmaceuticals.2002-2003
Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) dragon boat program put on hold.April 2003
HCC dragon boat program restarted under leadership of Sterling Hannah, Director of Volunteer Services.Summer 2003
Paddlers recruited for first team. Includes both cancer survivors and community volunteers.October 2003
First racing competition at Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival.August 2006
Medaled in 1st US National Championship.2007-2008
NCI research grant evaluates impact of dragon boating on cancer survivorship. Study design serves as model for DBC outreach program.May 2008
Dragon Boat Charleston established as independent 501c3.May 2008
1st Annual Charleston Dragon Boat Festival!2011
Documentary film Awaken the Dragon premieres profiling DBC.2020
1st Holiday Festival of Trees