My name is Celeste Williams. I first encountered the Indy SurviveOars from afar, as I saw them paddling their long, canoe-like boats on Geist Reservoir. I had always wanted to try a water sport like that... but was disappointed upon learning it was a team of breast cancer survivors! As fate would have it, several years later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was 2018, and my world had been rocked. My first thoughts, of course, were not of joining a team, but of fighting the invader and getting myself well. Still, as I learned more about Indy SurviveOars (INSO) and its origins, I found myself drawn in by the story of strength and camaraderie. So, by the time I had gone through surgery and treatments and reconstruction, I was ready to heal not just my body, but my spirit, too. I joined the team in 2019.
Dragon boat racing was born more than 2,000 years ago in China, and began as a modern international sport in the 1970s. The boats are propelled by 20 paddlers sitting two abreast in 10 rows. There is also a steer, and a drummer who beats a steady cadence for the paddlers in races. Canadian sports medicine specialist Dr. Don McKenzie was the first to suggest that dragon boat racing would be good exercise for those recovering from breast cancer surgery. Since then, the breast cancer survivors worldwide participate via the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission.
INSO was founded 17 years ago by Kathy Martin Harrison and a determined group of survivors. Over the years, INSO has become like a family, with 70-plus members ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s, all in different stages of treatment or survivorship. The “season” is spring through fall, but off-season workouts are encouraged — including the favorite workout for me and a couple of my INSO teammates — deep water aerobics at the Fort Benjamin Harrison YMCA!
INSO has journeyed together in more ways than one. We are the only team of breast cancer survivors in Indiana, but we race all over, from the U.S. to Canada, Italy, and New Zealand. In 2026, we’ll meet other teams to paddle in France. Medals won are a proud reminder of our work, but the true success is in the bonds we share — the laughter, the support, the understanding. Our motto is: “One Year, One Blade, One Family!"
If you’re a survivor or caring for one (we welcome “supportOars”!), consider joining us. For more information visit the website: www.indysurviveoars.org
The YMCA offers so much, including programs like LIVESTRONG. Visit our chronic disease prevention page to learn more about how we can support you on your own path to healing.
Paddles up!
