They say that in the dragon boat all hearts beat as one; and in our grief . . . all hearts break as one.

Today the Pink Dragon Ladies mourn the loss of one of its founding members, Linda Fessell.  Linda was a steady and dedicated force on the team who worked hard and inspired others through her example.  A mainstay in the “engine room,” Linda’s superb technique, consistent power, and reliable stamina always set the tone in the boat’s mid-section.  But Linda’s leadership on the team began in 2004 when she answered a call by the Moffitt Cancer Center to help form a breast cancer survivor dragon boat crew.   This enthusiastic group of survivors called themselves the Pink Dragon Ladies and went on to compete in the 2005 Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races – feeling victorious despite finishing last!

Unwilling to wait until the follow year to race again, four members of the original team decided to incorporate as a 501(c )3, not-for-profit organization so that they could keep their dream alive and make it accessible to cancer survivors throughout the Tampa Bay region.  Linda Fessell was one of those four founding members, and she served as the first Treasurer.  She also enlisted the help of her son, Matt (a recent graduate of FSU’s law school) to file the articles of incorporation.

Incorporated on August 29, 2005 as Team Survivor Tampa Bay, Inc., and racing under its familiar name, the Pink Dragon Ladies became the first cancer survivor dragon boat team in Florida. Linda’s foresight and dedication helped create the legacy that the team enjoys today in the cancer survivor and dragon boat communities in the state of Florida.

With breast cancer survivor teams now established in Miami (Save our Sisters) and Orlando (Warriors on Water), and with teams starting to form in Punta Gorda, Sarasota, and The Villages, the dream of Linda and the founders continues to flourish.

I met Linda at that first meeting at Moffitt and we paddled together for 7 years.  Linda was a woman of few words who did not seek the limelight.  When she was on the boat she was entirely focused on the job at hand.  She gave the team 120% every time.  But off the boat, she was dedicated to her daughter Theresa and son Matt, and their families.  I know that Linda would not want us to make a fuss – that was not her style.  But we grieve the loss of her friendship, her dedication, and her example.  And our hearts go out to her family who lost the devoted love of a mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter.

Mary Ann Musial joined the Pink Dragon Ladies in 2006. A gentle soul with an infectious laugh, Mary Ann was a person who made everyone around her feel at ease. During her 3 years with the team, most members were unaware of Mary Ann’s already long struggle with breast cancer and her ongoing medical treatment. She always gave her best effort with a smile on her face. When too ill to paddle in the boat during the 2008 Windsor Dragon Boat race festival, Mary Ann donned her feather boa, velvet gloves, and angel wings. Overcoming her fear of the water, she took her place on the perilous drummer’s seat and cheered the team to an upset victory in our medal winning heat.
After fighting breast cancer for 12 years and through 5 recurrences, Mary Ann Musial quietly succumbed to the disease on April 4, 2009.

Carol Lee Banks (1952 - 2008)

Carol Lee Banks lost her battle with breast cancer in October 2008. Having joined the PDLs in their inaugural year, she fast became the "face" of the PDLs. She lived life with a passion, both in the boat and on land. Her confidence and drive was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. Carol Lee has touched the heart and soul of every Pink Dragon Lady.

Her passing leaves a void, never to be filled. But we paddle on, united in our sorrow, knowing Carol Lee would expect nothing less.
"Pinkies Up"

Amanda Carterpassed away April 12, 2007 after her aggressive breast cancer returned with a vengeance. Amanda was an original member of the Pink Dragon Ladies. As a competitive runner, Amanda applied her experience to dragon boat paddling, and proved to be a big asset to our team at our inaugural race in April 2004. Devoted grandmother, and teacher, Amanda also shared her passionionate approach to life by leading weekly marathon training runs.

CheriAnn Peterson(1974 - 2007) was the drummer for the Pink Dragon Ladies' very first race festival in April 2005. Despite being hairless and painfully thin, she paced the team through all three races. It was truly inspiring to the paddlers and spectators to see her heroic efforts to hang on and fight - both literally and figuratively.
Despite multiple metastases, surgeries and chemo treatments she fought for seven years until the bitter end - a testament to her indomitable spirit! She is an inspiration to us all.