Founder Mary Skrypek honored at National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Congratulations to our founder, Mary Skrypek, who was honored last week at the 39th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, presented by The Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership!

When conventional wisdom suggested that women who had undergone breast cancer treatment and had nodes removed should avoid upper-body exercise, Mary, a physical therapist, was already incorporating lymphatic drainage therapy into her practice. She worked with many women who were navigating life after breast cancer diagnosis.

After her own diagnosis in 2003, Mary attended a conference at Mayo Clinic, where she learned about a study on Dragon Boating for breast cancer survivors. Inspired, she made a vow on the spot to start a team. Mary knew that movement was crucial medicine for herself and others, and by continuing her training, she demonstrated vitality and hope to women on their own journeys to survival.

In 2006, the Dragon Divas of St. Paul, Minnesota, began with just 8 members. Today, our team has grown to more than 115 women.

Thank you to Mary for your dedication, passion, and leadership!