The Empire Dragon Boat Team was formed in 2009 by the late Jennifer Merendino, Team Captain Donna Wilson, Lily Zhang, Coaches James Ma and James Lozada, along with a small group of survivors being treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering who exercised with Donna. As the only Breast Cancer Surivor Dragon Boat Team in New York City, the team is comprised of about 35 women cancer survivors who regularly practice indoors and out.

Empire's mission is to spread awareness of the sport and its benefits to women who have battled cancer. Our team is committed to raising funds for cancer research and direct service to cancer patients. The team also is involved in a number of volunteer activities including environmental advocacy to clean up Flushing Bay and hosting the forthcoming "Dragons on the Hudson" 2012 Festival in Peekskill, NY.

If you are a woman cancer survivor and would like to join our team, please email empiredragonboat@gmail.com.

Paddles up!