Rally friends, family and colleagues, grab a paddle and join one of our region’s most spirited Lake Champlain events: the 2018 Dragon Boat Festival. This year, Festival proceeds will benefit Integrative Therapies at the UVM Cancer Center, bringing relief and comfort to cancer patients and survivors here in Vermont and northern New York.

Although cancer treatments differ, side effects such as fatigue, nausea, anxiety and pain are universal. Proven to ease these debilitating effects and improve patients’ quality of life are integrative therapies - acupuncture, massage, yoga and mindfulness — all offered at the UVM Cancer Center.

By joining a dragon boat team or assembling a crew of your own, you ensure that more patients have access to these health and wellness-enhancing therapies. Teams of 21 paddle to the beat of their team drummer, racing colorful dragon boats in a short race. The daylong event includes entertainment by Taiko drummers and musicians, vendors selling food and crafts, raffles and friendly competitions for best team tent and chant.

“Dragon boat paddling is a sport that is available for individuals of any age and ability. You can really test your athletic skills, enjoy beautiful Lake Champlain, and share in the camaraderie of a great bunch of people — all for a worthy cause,” attests dragon boat racer Kim Dittus, M.D., Ph.D., a medical oncologist at UVM Medical Center.

Take to the lake on August 5 and share in the spirit and adventure of the Dragon Boat Festival. Registration is now open, so visit www.dragonheartvermont.org to learn more. For information about Integrative Therapies at the UVM Cancer Center or to join the CNHS team, email Cara.Feldman-Hunt@uvmhealth.org.