Over 2,500 breast cancer survivors from all over the world boarded dragon boats in Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on Sunday.
The International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission Dragon Boat Festival drew in thousands of female and male breast cancer survivors to row and thousands of others to watch, cheer and support. It was a first for the U.S.
“It doesn’t matter how strong you are, tall, thin, fat, skinny, it matters that we do it together,” said IBCPC President Kim Bonomo.
All of the men and women who were rowing the dragon boats were either breast cancer survivors or still undergoing treatment.
Maggie Moulds was at Nathan Benderson Park all the way from Australia.
“To be out on the water in a different country with seven other teams in our boat, it’s absolutely awesome,” said Moulds.
In 2007, Moulds was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just 12 months prior, her husband died.
“Being alone was the hardest part," Moulds said. "However, I’m not alone anymore. I have lots of support.”
Mark O’Connor was rowing from Ireland. When he was diagnosed with male breast cancer, he was shocked.
“I never heard of it before I got it,” O'Connor said. “I didn’t choose cancer, cancer chose me. I just had to deal with it.”
O'Connor said he had a hard time finding information or others with his form of cancer until he found dragon boat racing.
“I absolutely love it," he said. "It's good for your mental health, it's good for your body.”
Three days of fun, fitness and international unity -- all in hopes of curing breast cancer once and for all.
Another breast cancer awareness event was held in the Bay area on Sunday.
Thousands of bikers took over the Howard Frankland and Courtney Campbell bridges as part of the TMR Tampa Bay motorcycle riders.