Kentucky Thorough-Breasts
Dragon Boat Team
In 2008, Tri-State women of all ages impacted by breast cancer, along with their supporters, formed the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Team, an all-volunteer non-profit organization. The Kentucky Thorough-Breasts inspire camaraderie, teamwork and giving back to the community while fostering optimism and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the sport of dragon boat racing.
Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™
In 2010 the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts hosted the first Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™. It has become an annual and much anticipated event in the Tri-State. Competitive and local community / corporate teams enjoy a day of racing dragon boats to raise funds to support our mission. Learn more about forming your own festival team and join us at AJ Jolly Lake!
Meet the Team
Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Team
The Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Team is a growing community of cancer survivors and supporters. We empower our members in their long-term journey to strength and wellness, regardless of age or athletic ability. As an international cancer support movement, dragon boat racing has proven benefits to help survivors return to an active lifestyle during and following treatment. We are 1 of over 350 Breast Cancer Survivor teams worldwide, as well as the first and only team in the Tri-State since 2008.
In August 2026, the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts will represent the region at the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commision Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in Aix-les-Bains, France. The race will bring together the largest gathering of Breast Cancer Survivor teams in the world.
Interested in joining the team?












Support the Team
Please support our efforts to represent the Tri-State in France in 2026 as well as our ongoing paddling program and outreach to local breast cancer survivors. Donations can be made to honor or in memory of a cherished family member or friend.
Our impact is personal
Paddling for a Greater Purpose
Funds donated back to the Breast Cancer Community
$160000
Number of States and Countries Raced in
19
Number of Team Members since 2008
115
Every Stroke Makes a Difference!
Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™
Presented since 2010 by members of the team and with the help of community sponsors, this family friendly, Best of Northern Kentucky event takes place at AJ Jolly Lake, just south of Cincinnati. Our festival draws local, national and international teams. Registration fees include a practice session before race day, all needed equipment, a steersperson and dragon boat drummer for your team. On Race Day each team competes in three 250 meter heats with awards for the top 3 finishers in each division. Many community / corporate teams conduct their own fundraising to support the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts mission. The result is a fun team-building event for a great cause!
The Rose Ceremony is a deeply moving tradition at every Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™ where we celebrate Breast Cancer Survivors and honor those that have passed.
Interested in forming a team, check out the linked Fact Sheet.

Support The Festival
Proceeds from the Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™ support our paddling program and mission. Working with local hospital nurse navigators, we allocate funds to provide direct support to Tri-State breast cancer patients. More information about festival donations designated for a specific team or to honor or in memory of a cherished family member or friend can be found by clicking DONATE NOW.
Our Team Sponsors
Marty Kochevar in honor of his wife and former team member Wendy Kochevar
Dr Donald N and Jane L Berning Private Foundation
Ellen Rudolph
Ted Wanstrath
Steve Record
Michael Mahoney
Hype Mattingly
Largest Fundraising Festival Teams
Breast Friends
Oakland Crusaders
Areola Grande

Boobees
Our Kind Supporters
Our Supporters are a vital part of our organization on and off the water. From cheering on the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts at races, organizing a team for entry in the Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival, to handling various tasks essential for the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Team’s success. We invite you to learn more about them through their quotes.
Surviving in Sync!
Support the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts
Dragon Boat Team!
Your donation helps empower breast cancer survivors, survivors of other cancers and supporters through the sport of Dragon Boat Racing in the Tri-State region. Join us in building strength, resilience, and community–every stroke makes a difference!
Our Vision
To empower and support Tri-State cancer survivors in their journey to strength and wellness.
Our Mission
Dragon Boating brings together Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters by inspiring camaraderie, teamwork and giving back to the community.