Dragon Boat Race offers fun — and funds — for local cancer patients

When Terry Maurer of Henderson looks at her calendar, Oct. 10 definitely has a notation. That's the day she and other breast cancer survivors are going boating.

Not just boating. They are part of a Pink Paddlers team competing in the seventh annual Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Race on Lake Las Vegas.

St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and Lake Las Vegas own six decorated dragon boats made in China. The boats are used by teams of 20 rowers each to practice and then compete in what is now one of the fastest-growing water sports in the country, dragon boat racing.

The teams entered in the Rose Regatta paid $1,000 each to be timed while paddling a 250-meter course. Winning boats receive bragging rights along with gold, silver or bronze medals.

Among this year's entries are 15 all-female teams, three that are staffed entirely by breast cancer survivors. Nineteen of the entries are teams from California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Oregon and Canada. To accommodate all 70-plus teams entered, the dragon boat competition begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and continues to 5 p.m.

Boat racing is just part of a number of activities surrounding the Rose Regatta weekend. The byword is fun, but the purpose of the activities is to raise money for the R.E.D. Rose Program. This program provides services and financial support for uninsured and underinsured women (and men) undergoing breast cancer treatment. Last year, the regatta and festival raised $124,000.

Maurer, a breast cancer survivor, was asked seven years ago if she could help put together the first all-breast-cancer-survivor team using her contacts within the breast-cancer support group community. She did it and has participated in the regatta each year; her team has even traveled out of state for competitions.

"Seeing these women get away from their problems and health issues and work together as a team is really awesome," she says.

All money raised during the Rose Regatta weekend stays in the community and is used to provide medical care and psychological support. Figures supplied by Holly Lyman, director of WomensCare Centers and community outreach for St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, show the kinds of program services provided last year:

497 mammograms

294 breast ultrasounds

44 biopsies

4 cancer diagnoses

Financial assistance was given to women undergoing chemotherapy, which included 66 clients who received assistance with rent, utilities, transportation and groceries at a cost of $88,832.

The program also provides free bras and prostheses for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors.

Lyman notes that worry about expenses at a time when a regular paycheck is not coming in can add to an already stressful situation. The late Las Vegas singer Mickki Brown was one such independent contractor who got breast cancer and was unable to work for a six-month period. She said two years ago how grateful she was during chemotherapy treatment to get help with household expenses from the R.E.D. Rose Program.

The R.E.D. Rose Program is partially funded by Susan G. Komen. The program works closely with the Komen foundation as well as with all the chemotherapy providers in town, the American Cancer Society, Clark County Social Services and the Women's Health Connection.

"When one of these programs finds a client with the financial needs we can address," Lyman says, "they'll send the client to us. We may then also work with NV Energy, who can sometimes help eligible clients with utility bills, and the Orion Cancer Foundation with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, which can also provide assistance to clients.

"Our program may then pick up where other programs no longer can help. We'll help patients throughout their treatment to keep them in their homes. We've never had to say no to an eligible client, but, yes, we're always ready to raise money whenever we can."

Among the activities accompanying the Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Race are a welcoming "Fabulous Shoe Night" party Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sonrisa Grill at Lake Las Vegas. A $25 donation will include a $20 for the R.E.D. Rose Program, views of the fabulous shoes plus fun with a disc jockey. Food and drink specials will be available as well.

Saturday night, a free concert at the lake will feature the sound, vibe and look of the '80s featuring "The Reflex Band."

On race day, the Adrian Dominican Sisters will bless the paddlers and survivors. A flowers-on-the-water ceremony will be held for survivors in attendance, and Taiko Drummers will perform. Tai chi, Zumba and yoga demonstrations also will be held.

Lyman recommends that participants and supporters get to the lake early on race day, as parking will be at a premium.