Our Story

Our story and vision began in early 2017 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This year of treatment was treacherous to say the least. Luckily, I was surrounded by loving support by my friends and family…..but I also received unexpected support, guidance, coaching, and inspiration from The Unsinkable’s Cancer Survivor/Support dragon boat team in Salem, OR. 
This was no ordinary dragon boat team. This group of cancer warriors truly cares about each other, family members, the waterways, and the larger community. Over my months of treatments, several of the team members reached out to me frequently. A dinner was held shortly after diagnosis and I was enveloped by love, compassion, understanding…… This unfailing support never ended. I am still reminded every now and then, “You always have a seat in the boat.” 
The founder and coach of this team, gave me a quilt she’d made that I used during chemo treatments. She also made arm bands with my name embroidered on each. These were given to all teammates, my friends and family members. The Unsinkable’s proceeded to race that summer wearing these arm bands. Many videos were made, reminding me that I was in the boat and they were racing for me. And they did quite well!! 
My eyes still tear up, three years later…...this was the flame that sparked the creation of Cancer Creates Warriors. ~Leah (06/2020)