Sue Von Richter – Board Member Posted on: 25 May 2023

Being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 turned my world upside down, but discovering Dragons Abreast in 2016 gave me a whole new life. When I first stepped into the boat, I found so much more than a sport—I found strength, laughter, and a community of women who truly understood what it meant to walk this path.

Dragon boating has taken me on adventures I never dreamed possible. I’ve paddled the legendary Vogalonga in Venice, raced in Florence and New Zealand at the IBCPC Festivals, and soon I’ll be joining survivors from around the world in France in 2026. These experiences have shown me that life after a breast cancer diagnosis can be filled with joy, purpose, and even a little chaos on the water!

Today, I’m proud to serve on the Board of Dragons Abreast Australia, giving back to the organisation that has given me so much. For me, DAA is about far more than paddling—it is about hope, connection, and proving that we can keep moving forward together.

Whether you are stepping into the boat for the very first time or looking for a new way to connect, I encourage you to give dragon boating a try. You’ll find fitness, friendship, and the chance to be part of a global movement of survivors who show every day that there is life—and adventure—beyond breast cancer. 🌸🐉