Survivor Stories

Every person who joins Dragonheart Vermont brings their own story. For our breast cancer survivor members, that story includes a diagnosis — but it doesn't end there. What comes after is what these pages are about: the paddling, the friendships, the competitions, the hard days and the good ones, and the community that holds it all together.

These are their stories, told the way they want to tell them.

Pat's Story

I was 40 with two young children, the youngest of five girls. Cancer had never entered any conversation. And then it did. With my husband, my family, my friends, and my church by my side, we managed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. It was 1994, there was no Dragonheart Vermont.

Fast forward to 2007, a friend suggested I try something called dragon boating. It was for breast cancer survivors, and it was on the water. Hmm, curious — why not? The rest, as they say, is history. That day I found my "Sisters." Women who had also experienced the breast cancer diagnosis and journey. The best part? We didn't talk about cancer. We learned how to be the best version of ourselves, to be stronger than cancer.

This year will mark my 19th year paddling. Dragonheart is my family. It taught me that there is a lot of living to be done after a devastating diagnosis. The "Sisters" I met in 2007 are my best friends today. At 72, I am healthier than I could have ever imagined. Dragonheart is my silver lining.

Donna's Story

My name is Donna Butkus, known to most as Donna B! I joined Dragonheart Vermont in June 2005, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2004 following a routine yearly mammogram. I had a left-sided lumpectomy and took part in multiple research projects. After surgery and some time off, I had 33 days of radiation and returned to my job as an RN. I'd worked 35 years in ER and urgent care.

I loved sports in high school, but varsity sports weren't available to women until after Title IX. Up until joining Dragonheart Vermont, my sporting loves were swimming, being at the ocean, lakes, and any time in or on the water. My husband and I never took part in sports together, but we attended hundreds of soccer, baseball, softball, track, and hockey games with our four children and six grandchildren over many years.

While undergoing 33 daily radiation treatments, I received information about a new paddling group, Dragonheart Vermont, in Burlington. My radiation oncologist kept urging me to join. My husband and I attended an information session that winter. While there, we noticed good friends who were in their 70s — and we were only in our 50s. We decided to join. The summer of 2005 began my 21 years of Dragonheart membership.

Together, we paddled twice a week. We met so many wonderful and interesting people with a variety of backgrounds and careers. We were all encouraged by our founders, John and Linda Dyer, to take part in racing opportunities. At that time, we thought it was too soon for us, but for all those who have come to know the Dyers, nothing was impossible.

That first summer, we took part in club races in Montreal at the Olympic Basin. Our breast cancer team and women's team won gold medals. My husband's team won a trophy. To say we were both ecstatic would be an understatement. Those first races really hooked us: fun, competition, and camaraderie, and doing something together we both enjoyed. It had a unique impact on our lives. We had a focus for fun outside of all our kids' activities.

Over the years, many of these Dragonheart Vermont relationships offered much-needed support during difficult times. It certainly increased our mental and physical health. Together, we traveled twice to races in Italy: once to Ravenna, and again to Florence. My husband took part as a supporter, so important, as were all the supporters.

In the years that followed, we traveled to Montreal, Ottawa, Peterborough, Kingston, Sherbrooke, Hartford, Springfield, Boston, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Sarasota, and New Hampshire. During all these races, we took part in breast cancer flower ceremonies, much like our own on Lake Champlain. These were and continue to be very special moments. Remembering those who lost their battle with breast cancer or are still battling this disease. We sing special songs and toss flowers from our boats into the waters beside us. These are always emotional moments, as we send our love and admiration to all. To cherish each other as sisters, no matter where we live, no matter our race, color, beliefs, or customs.

Thank you, Dragonheart, for the privilege of sharing my story and just a few special memories.

Penni's Story

My journey with Dragonheart Vermont began in 2004 when a friend, who was also a cancer survivor, invited me to learn about a "dragon boat team." At the time, neither of us understood what dragon boating was. We certainly didn't realize that it was an international sport that welcomes people of all ages, genders, and abilities.

In 1999, I received a diagnosis of triple negative, Stage 2 ductal carcinoma. Many years later, in 2025, I was once again faced with a diagnosis — this time, estrogen receptor positive, Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ.

Being part of Dragonheart Vermont has given me a new community to share a difficult journey with. Through these friendships, I have gained new strength both physically and emotionally. Competing around the world with my best teammates has brought immense joy, and the opportunity to give back to my community has been deeply fulfilling. Every week, being out on Lake Champlain feels like returning to my center.

Learn About Joining Our Sisterhood

Want to share your story? Email us at info@dragonheartvermont.org.