From Survivors to Thrivers
When Gretchen Feldmaier’s breast cancer returned in 2005, she gathered a core group of friends at her bedside and charged them with making her dream of seeing a dragon boat team on the rivers of the Mid-Ohio Valley come true.
By 2006, the Mid-Ohio Valley boasted its first dragon boat team. Today, they are known as the MOV’n Dragons.
Gretchen’s legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Despite facing the challenges of breast cancer multiple times, she persevered and used her experience to inspire and motivate others.
She also knew that dragon boating was the perfect therapy for breast cancer patients. The upper body movement used to paddle develops strength, and repetition promotes healing.
Through her founding gift to Marietta Community Foundation, Gretchen not only provided the means for the MOV’n Dragons to get started, but also gave the community a symbol of hope and perseverance in Gretchen’s Phoenix, the team’s first vessel. Funded by memorial contributions, this boat serves as a reminder of Gretchen’s strength and determination and inspires those who row it to push themselves to new heights.
The team usually travels three or more times per year to compete in festivals. However, Gretchen’s spirit remains close as many possess a special necklace. A dragon is displayed for the world to see, while the wearer feels Gretchen’s fingerprint on the side closest to their heart.
“Every time we go to a festival I wear this and rub my thumb on it,” said Judy Baker, a founding member of the group.
Today, the team is comprised of more than 30 members, all survivors (or thrivers, as they prefer to be called) and supporters. While some members are especially enthusiastic about the sport and travel worldwide to compete in festivals, the camaraderie among members is what makes the group truly special.
“From minute one, you get the feeling that this is a support group. There’s no question about it,” declared Judy. “It brings tears to my eyes when I think about all the wonderful things that have happened from this experience.”
The group lends support outside of the boat, too. Named in memory of a beloved teammate, the Felicia M. Buell Thriver Program supports all cancer survivors in the Mid-Ohio Valley, regardless of whether or not they are members of the team. They encourage survivors to transition into “thrivers” by pursuing energizing activities that help them recover and get the most out of life despite the disease.
Overall, the dragon boat team represents a powerful combination of personal growth and team-building. By awakening the dragon within and working together to achieve a common goal, participants tap into their inner strength and resilience, pushing themselves to achieve things they never thought possible.
This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like the MOV’n Dragons’, view the full report here.