More Than a Name: The Spirit of Machestic Dragons
Our unique name, with “chest” highlighted in “Machestic,” underscores our identity as New Jersey’s first organized Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) Dragon Boat Team. We are proudly recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to making a difference through our paddles and our passion.
Together, We Paddle. Together, We Prevail.
Our Mission: Driven by Strength, Guided by Purpose
Raising Awareness: We are committed to increasing awareness about breast cancer and promoting the therapeutic benefits of dragon boat paddling.
Inspiring Recovery: “Survive and Thrive!” – Our goal is to mentor and uplift those affected by breast cancer, demonstrating that vibrant life continues post-diagnosis.
Empowering Spirits: “Empower Your Spirit, Conquer Your Dragon” – We strive to empower all members to confront challenges with unwavering courage and an indomitable spirit.
Fostering Hope: “Paddle Towards Hope” – Looking beyond today, we aim to instill a sense of hope and promise for the future.
Our Community
Our team is a diverse mix of individuals from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, varying in age, athletic ability, educational and occupational backgrounds, and family dynamics. United initially by our battles with breast cancer, we have transformed into a “floating support group” – a family of survivors and supporters including family members, spouses, partners, and friends who share a passion for life and paddling.
Raising Awareness
Providing Support
Empowering Individuals
Building Community
Fostering a supportive network that looks forward to a hopeful future.
Our Activities
Supportive Paddling: “Paddle Together, Heal Together” – In our boat, we paddle together, support each other, share laughter, enjoy competition, and overcome fears. We encourage each other, forge deep friendships, and take pride in our collective and personal achievements.
Thriving Together: “Laugh, Paddle, Celebrate” – We paddle not just to survive but to thrive. Our activities go beyond paddling – we celebrate, support, and connect in ways that enhance our lives, demonstrating that those living with breast cancer can lead full, active lives.
Annual Highlights: We practice at Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park, West Windsor, New Jersey, which is also the venue for our flagship Dragon Boat Festival, Paddle for Pink, every June. This event is not only a celebration of spirit but also a crucial fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting local programs that provide essential services to breast cancer patients and survivors.
Competitions and Celebrations
“Medals of Honor, Heart of Gold” – While we are a recreational club focused on improving our personal bests rather than competitive racing, our presence is felt across various festivals from Bucks County, PA, to Nova Scotia, and even international festivals every four years in locations like Italy and Australia. Our medals or “bling,” as we affectionately call them, symbolize our victories over cancer – the most significant triumph of all.
Join the Journey, Be the Hope
- Being a Machestic Dragon means joining a family, not just a team.
- You’re celebrated for your strength, spirit, and courage.
- Whether you’re seeking healing, connection, or a challenge — you belong here.
- We paddle, we fight, we laugh, we grow together, we are unstoppable.
The Machestic Dragons Mascot
Our beloved dragon mascot embodies a rich tapestry of colors, each selected for their deep symbolic meanings rooted in Chinese culture, making it a vibrant symbol of our spirit and mission. Here’s what each color represents:
- Blue: A soothing hue that symbolizes healing, relaxation, and immortality, reminding us of the tranquility and trust we strive to foster within our community.
- Green: Representing growth and renewal, green echoes our commitment to balance, healing, and harmony, reinforcing our foundation of health and benevolence.
Teal, the heart of our dragon, blends blue’s calm with green’s renewal—symbolizing the support, healing, and strength we live by. It reminds us to “Paddle with Purpose and Peace.”
Pink accents in the dragon’s whiskers, eyes, and mouth symbolize love and compassion. The hidden “M” and “D” in the whiskers honor our identity, reminding us that every stroke is a stroke of heart.
Our beloved dragon mascot was created by Kelsey Roe, a gifted artist who designed it as a junior at Hopewell Valley Central High School. Now a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in Computer Animation, Kelsey has not only shared his talent but also his heart, paddling and drumming alongside the Machestic Dragons. His artwork continues to animate our aspirations, bringing life, spirit, and unity to our journey.
More than a symbol, this dragon is a beacon of strength, love, and hope. Together, we embark on waves of healing.
Meet The Board
Fran Gervasi
Jacquie Sjosted
Susan Benjamin
Beth Stratton
Beth is a Registered Nurse who was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2022. In 2023, she discovered the sport of dragon boating, where she found empowerment and healing that revitalized her spirit. In 2024, Beth joined the Machestic Dragons and quickly formed lasting friendships and built a sense of community both on and off the water. Collaborating with extraordinary women, both survivors and supporters, has been a truly transformative experience for her.
Linda M. Soto
A Warrior on and off the Water
Linda Soto is a 3-year Triple-Negative breast cancer survivor, dedicated advocate, and proud mother of three. Her journey fueled her passion for supporting women through Majestic Dragon Boat and offering free cleaning services to those undergoing treatment.
As a Project Manager at Dress for Success, Linda empowers women and youth with confidence and professional skills.
Nancy Colitsas
Rebecca Lynn
Treasure
Ken Brask
Coach Ken has been our coach for several years. He started as a guest steersman. The chemistry was good and became a full time coaching position after several practices.
Ken started coaching with age group swimmers when he was 18 and has coached many different teams and sports over the course of his life. He started Dragon Boating in 2015 becoming proficient as a paddler and a steersman. He participated with his teammate to race at Dragon Boat Club Nationals and then qualified to race at the Dragon Boat World Championships.
