Ottawa Valley breast cancer survivors paddle toward international festival in France
What began as a support group for breast cancer survivors more than 25 years ago has grown into a close-knit team of women who are now preparing to represent the Ottawa Valley on an international stage.
The Prior Chestnuts dragon boat team consists of 24 members from Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Pakenham, West Carleton, Kanata, Arnprior, Cobden and Petawawa. Together, the team is preparing to travel to Aix-les-Bains, France later this month to compete in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival.
Taking place Aug. 24 to 30, 2026, the event will bring together approximately 4,500 breast cancer survivors from around the world for several days of racing, wellness activities and community building. The Prior Chestnuts have previously attended International Festivals in Sarasota 2014 and Italy 2018, according to teammate Susan Mills.
Pakenham-area resident Alice Puddington, who joined the team last year, said the Prior Chestnuts were originally formed as a way for breast cancer survivors to support one another while staying outdoors and active.
“We’re told over and over that we need more exercise.” She told Lanarkist. “This was started as a way to be together and support one another, but also get some exercise.”
The team gets together to practice twice a week from White Lake Marina, with members ranging in age from their early 40s to 90 years old.
“We’re a true participatory team,” said Mills. “As survivors, we do what we can that day. We welcome all abilities and try to paddle in sync.”
For Puddington, the weekly practices are about much more than preparing for a competition.
“Picture an early evening paddle on White Lake,” she told Lanarkist. “The loons follow us around the lake and call us. It is just the most picturesque, beautiful setting. And then, of course, the women who are paddling with me are so supportive and friendly. We laugh, we work hard because we have to practice and get our skills and strength up. It’s just a very positive atmosphere.”
Puddington shared that she will travel to France a few days early with her daughter and grandson before joining her teammates in Aix-les-Bains.
“It’s an international event. Apparently it’s the largest paddling event that’s ever taken place for breast cancer survivors,” she said. “All of the 4,500 women who are registered are actually breast cancer survivors. That’s pretty amazing.”
Canada will be represented by 42 teams from coast to coast, including crews from British Columbia, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Kingston.
Although dragon boat racing is a key part of the festival, Mills said the event is about much more than winning a competition. Breast cancer survivors from around the world will gather for seminars, films, wellness activities and opportunities to connect with others who have shared and survived similar experiences.
Puddington said the team has spent roughly three years raising money through community initiatives to help offset the cost, while members also contribute personally toward the cost of the trip.
“We raise money, but we also pay a portion of it ourselves,” she confirmed. “It gives everybody a chance to participate, no matter their financial circumstances. I think that equity portion is really important.”
The team has received support from organizations across the Ottawa Valley, including the Almonte Civitan Club, as they prepare for what many members describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.