Paddling since 2008

Kentucky Thorough-Breasts
Dragon Boat Team

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.

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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!

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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?

Contact Us Today

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.

Donate Now

Our impact is personal

Paddling for a Greater Purpose

I love the friendships I have made. The exercise is fantastic, and I love being on the water. It is empowering working together maneuvering that huge boat across the finish line. -- TM, Age at diagnosis 40, Team member since 2018

TM, Age at diagnosis 40
Team member since 2018

The shared experience of cancer is silently understood as we practice and compete on the water. Witnessing the strength these women show in their fight against cancer motivates me to be a more resilient and stronger teammate.

JH, Age at diagnosis 33
Team member since 2023

The ladies on the team and the camaraderie and the love absolutely saved me. I can’t say enough good things about the friendships that I’ve made on the team.

LK, Age at diagnosis 42
Team member since 2021

I marvel at what we have individually endured and what we accomplish as a group and team. We are the epitome of strength, hope and surviving in sync with lots of laughter.

KF, Age at diagnosis 56
Team member since 2019

Procedures needed to survive breast cancer are typically difficult and painful, but paddling is fun! I am so grateful to everyone who makes this opportunity available to cancer survivors like me and the people who support us!

LJ, Age at diagnosis 65
Team member since 2023

While I had come to terms with the experience, I don't think I was able to make a transition from Cancer Survivor to Cancer Thriver until I began paddling with our BCS Team.

CM, Age at diagnosis 53
Team member since 2012

This team has given me strength when I really needed it. We are there for each other. I miss them when we are not together. My teammates are rock stars.

CE, Age at diagnosis 35
Team member since 2008

Hope from those that have survived longer. Supported in the celebrations and the unknowns. Encouraged, to keep going. Understanding from those who have already lived the part of the journey I’m on.

CM, Age at de novo metastatic (Stage 4) diagnosis 36
Team member since 2014

The team was there for me when I was diagnosed and treated for throat and laryngeal cancer and recently for prostate cancer.” --

JT
Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Team Supporter and Founder

Funds donated back to the Breast Cancer Community

$160000

Number of States and Countries Raced in

19

Number of Team Members since 2008

115

Save The Date

September 6, 2025

151

Days

23

Hours

37

Minutes

59

Seconds

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.

Download 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.

Donate Now

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

Breast Friends

Oakland Crusaders

Areola Grande

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.

SR, Team member since 2022

The commitment of this team to each other and to the community of breast cancer survivors is such an asset to Greater Cincinnati. I am proud to share their boat.

GT, Team member since 2015

I have learned from others that no matter what we go through in life, we can still be strong and live our lives to the fullest. The team benefits me not only for exercise, but with genuine friendships.

LA, Team member since 2017

My BCS teammates are resilient, enthusiastic. and supportive of each other, both in and out of the boat.” It is a great community and a great mission to be part of.

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!

Donate Now!

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.