| The third annual Dragon Boat Festival of the Upstate was certainly colorful and fun for all. Put 20 paddlers in a giant canoe, a drummer sitting on the boat’s dragonhead decoration, let loose 30 sponsored teams charging down 3 lanes for 210 meters, and you’ve got some very exciting racing. The exhilaration in their eyes was obvious, but so was the determination. Everyone paddling has been touched in some way by cancer. They know life depends on success in fighting cancer, whether it’s their life or the life of a loved-one or friend. This Dragon Boat festival has become their way to help, raising money for cancer research and care at Greenville Hospital.
 The great news is Greenville has the best in world-class cancer research and care. Thanks to the Hospital and the Cancer Center of the Carolinas, their combination of research and care in one campus is making a big difference. Scientists led by Dr. Wagner literally hand the latest drugs and techniques to oncologists and cancer caregivers led by Drs. Gluck & Stephenson. Speed is the critical factor in any race, especially with cancer. The Greenville Hospital System has put the fight against cancer on a fast track. That’s what impressed Mary & Caleb Freeman. Introducing Dragon Boating to the Upstate, the Freeman’s believed this unique, family event in which everyone could participate, regardless of age or fitness, would raise money for a worthy cause. Dr. Gluck invited them to learn about the Hospital’s focus on cancer research; to see how reinforcing the patient’s immune system to fight certain cancers internally, not just with rounds of debilitating chemotherapy, was leading to better treatment and care.
This worthy cause has been sponsored each year by The Harper Corporation, Acadia Development, HyperThink and many others who see the team-building benefits of dragon boating and the support it gives directly to the Hospital. The Hospital does not just show up for the check; many Hospital related teams paddled this year, and helped organize and volunteer at every level. Raising $50,000 in the first year, $60,000 in the second, and now over $75,000 in the third year, this fundraiser has become a special event for returning sponsors and new ones, like Janet Rigdon of the SC Ovarian Cancer Foundation. In treatment herself for cancer, Janet psyched up for a day of paddling, and discovered more important values to take to heart than those on Wall Street. “The camaraderie felt among all paddlers last Saturday is just what cancer fighters need to find with each other, no matter type of cancer. The spirit of friendly competition, the laughter and fun were so inspirational, and that is the same spirit we need to beat cancer.”
Next Fall, the Dragon Boats will return to the Upstate. The Greenville Hospital and everyone there fighting cancer could use our community’s help throughout the year. We all can paddle by supporting the Hospital, because life depends on it. www.dragonboatupstate.org.
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