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Meet (some of ) the Team
We have an ALL-VOLUNTEER Board of Directors
Our Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) are ALL Breast Cancer Survivors.
Terry Coleman, President
I grew up in East Brunswick, NJ the oldest of six. My love for adventure and travel started right after graduating when I packed up my car and moved to California, returning seven years later where I have stayed put to raise my three children. Lorraine (27) Restaurant Manager; Katherine (23) Nursing Student; and Kevin (17) future Chemical Engineer. With a background in Commercial Art I have worked in the Advertising/Printing industry as a Production Artist & Typesetter for over 30 years. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I was diagnosed in 2000, and have learned to slow down (just a little) and enjoy what life has to offer. Since joining the Machestics in 2002, I have raced in NJ, NY, PA, RI, CT, Montreal Canada, Berlin Germany, and Caloundra Australia with my new "BrEaST" friends on the best team ever!!
Annie Carricato, Vice President
When it was suggested by a Machestic team member two years ago to join the survivor's team I was desperate to find a way get my endorphins pumping feeling depleted of energy after radiation treatment. Once in the dragon boat I was changed for the better, forever. At 66 I find myself physically fit because of this exhilarating activity. I am a spiritual seeker; Healing Touch practitioner and Hypnotherapist, and I am on staff at Lourdes Integrative Wellness Center in Columbus, NJ. Married 40 years to James, I am blessed to have all of our four adult children living in the northeast and am called Nona be my five grandchildren. The world moves so quickly I am so grateful that for today we can share love with each other face to face. Most doubly grateful for my new found sister; we may see things differently but when we are in the same boat the synchronization of our energy keeps us moving forward in all ways.
Arietta Wismer, Secretary
Was first diagnosed with breast cancer on September 11, 2001. A memorable day for me for more than one reason. After treatment, and a few surgeries, am doing well now. I love to be involved in art activities, presently taking classes in oil and acrylic painting, drawing, graphic design. Have been involved in the Machestic Dragons Dragon Boat Team since 2006 and have participated in the races here in the northeastern USA, Canada, and Australia. The friendships I have made through the team have helped me get through the uncertainty of diagnosis and treatment. The physical exercise has been wonderful for keeping the old body in shape. Don't know what I would do without knowing that we will be getting together and back on the water each spring. READ FULL BIO
Carol Watchler, Insurance/Treasurer
I am in my fourth year of paddling with the Machestic Dragons. My new positions on the board and the Paddle For Pink Committee have plunged me deeply into dragon boat activities and I am enjoying it immensely. Though getting a breast cancer diagnosis just a few months after leaving high school teaching in 2003 it was an unwelcome way to greet retirement. The inspiring friends as well as support and opportunity to teach others which I have discovered in the breast cancer community never cease to amaze me. READ FULL BIO
Luanne’s Story, Fundraising
I am constantly in awe of my teammates when I learn of their personal battles with breast cancer. There is no self-pity. They are passed the anger. They have learned to accept and love their bodies and move on. Although I am not a breast cancer survivor, I am very committed to my teammates and mission of the Machestic Dragons and their partner, the Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center, and am very honored to be the first non-survivor named to the Machestic Dragon’s Board of Directors, responsible for Fundraising. I continue to battle heart disease and feel that belonging to the Machestic Dragons is a huge part of my defense. READ FULL BIO
Baru Saul
Baru has lived in the Delaware Valley since 1985 with her husband and three sons. In 1999 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Soon after, she learned about dragon boating and in 2002 she worked with a small group of survivors to found the Machestic Dragons. She has raced in Germany, Canada, Vermont, Washington DC, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. She currently serves on the team's Board of Directors and hopes to see the sport continue to grow in our community. When she is not dragon boating, she works as an Administrative Assistant at Princeton University.
Misha Crosbie
Misha hails from New Zealand "downunder Kiwi land." She became an avid "dragon boater" with the Busting With Life Breast Cancer team in Auckland, New Zealand for two seasons after being diagnosed with BC in 2002. June 2005 saw them competing successfully in Vancouver and then Misha moved to New Jersey in September 2005. She is now very proud to be a member of the Machestics after "serendipitously finding the team" on a visit to the States in 2003. When not dragon boating she is kept very busy being a Nana to her 4 grandchildren and living a very full and active life. Misha is a keen paddler with the Aratika Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) Club in Auckland whenever she returns to New Zealand.
Linda Kerwin
Linda has been employed with Bristol-Myers Squibb for 24 years in Clinical Research. She was very active physically and socially before she was diagnosed with BC in 2001. She studied and became nationally certified in massage therapy and also has done volunteer work with children (Angels' Wings) and the elderly. Linda strongly believes that everything happens for our highest good. So after the initial shock of her diagnosis wore off, she refocused her energy on what she could do to help other women in the same situation. That was one of the reasons she wanted to join a dragon boat team - "we are living proof that we have battled this terrible disease and survived, and we are stronger in mind and spirit because of it."
Nancy Boland
Nancy grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey. Nancy feels fortunate to have a fraternal twin sister. She has been married for 26 years to Jim. They have 3 boys: Patrick, 23; Ryan, 20; and Corey, 16. Pat just graduated from Cornell University and is in medical school. Ryan is a senior at Franklin & Marshall College. Corey is a junior at Pennsbury High School. Nancy graduated from Syracuse University, was a stay at home mom and is currently working in the main office at Montgomery Middle School in Skillman, NJ. Her hobbies include quilting, needlework, skiing and antiquing.
Leanna Ziolkowski
Leanna grew up in Ohio and southern New Jersey. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Trenton State College. She worked for several years as a labor and deliver nurse and then began working as a research nurse. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2000. Leanna got married in the middle of treatment for breast cancer. After chemotherapy and radiation, Leanna returned to work in pharmaceutical research as a clinical data manager for Advanced Biologics.
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 Ellen Law
Machestic Dragon's
Team Coach
NJ Dragon Boat Club
Founder, President
Event Advisor
U.S. & Canadian Nat'l Champion
IDBF World Champion
Team USA Coach
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