CanSurvive - Breast Cancer Survivors & Supporters Representing New Zealand on the World Stage

We are CanSurvive, a vibrant, determined dragon boat club of breast cancer survivors and supporters based in Wellington.

And for the very first time, the IDBF has included a Breast Cancer division at the 2025 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany. It’s a powerful step forward — and we’re proud to be part of it.

After months of early mornings, relentless training, and a tough national selection process, 12 of our incredible paddlers have been chosen to represent New Zealand as part of the elite Black Dragons team.

Becoming a Black Dragon is the pinnacle of NZ dragon boating - a goal so big, many of us could never have imagined it when we first began our breast cancer journeys. And yet, here we are.

These wāhine toa have paddled through every challenge with grit, determination, and a fierce team spirit.

Angela Morgan

Emiliia McDonald

Ewen McDonald

Glenys Evans

Iona Elwood-Smith

Jules Nicholas

Jess Elwood-Smith

Marissa Becket

Pauline Mallard

Rose Beattie

Sonya Young

Yvonne Pickford

Now, they’re ready to take on the world — but they can’t do it alone.

We’re asking for your support towards the significant costs of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity -travel, accommodation, uniforms, training camps, and entry fees, around $10,000 per paddler

By donating, you’re standing with a team that represents strength after adversity, the power of community, and the belief that there’s life after breast cancer, and it can be awesome!

Help us show the world what Kiwi spirit looks like. Donate today.