Who we are...
Welcome to our Jacksonville Dragon Boat team, the Mammoglams, a vibrant community of breast cancer survivors. Our members are a diverse group of mothers, daughters, teachers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and business executives, representing all walks life and ages ranging from 25 to 75. Whether new to the journey or celebrating over 20 years of survival, we come together through our shared experiences and a passion for paddling.
Our team continues to grow in both strength and numbers, fueled by our increasing skills and competitive spirit. Following our participation in the IBCPC world competition in New Zealand April 2023, we are proudly ranked 13th globally among cancer teams. We also secured a spot in the BCP (Breast Cancer Paddler) division for the 2024 Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy. As we look ahead to a successful 2025 race season, preparations are already underway for the 2026 IBCPC International competition in Aix-les-Baines, France.
Dragon boating is more than just a sport; it's a supportive community that encourages personal growth and health improvement. While we start for the fun, we stay for the incredible health benefits, such as reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing strength and cardiovascular fitness. Engaging in dragon boating before, during and after treatment can alleviate side effects and boost overall well-being. Together on the water, we inspire each other to live our healthiest lives, fostering friendships that promote healing and confidence after a cancer diagnosis.
Join us as we inspire strength, resilience, and camaraderie on the water and beyond.
Denise, Jax Beach
“I didn't even know I needed a support group until I had one"
Cathy, St. Johns
"I always look forward to my midweek paddle. By the end of practice I can't even remember what I was so stressed about"
Today I ride for the Mammoglams BCS Dragon Boating from Jacksonville Florida. Jeri Millard and the women of the Mammoglams rock!!
Lois Edwards
Dr. Ankit Desai, Florida Plastic Surgery
“Thanks for all you are doing to help the women in Jacksonville. Dragon Boating is a wonderful addition to the services In the Pink provides"
Our History
Our team began as a support group sponsored by In the Pink, a local non-profit for women with cancer. In the spring of 2012, Jeri Millard, the owner and founder of In the Pink, purchased two boats and began building teams of people interested in learning to paddle. It has since grown into the Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club offering teams for men, women and cancer survivors. The teams are a close knit group of people who often refer to each other as their dragon boat family. And in Jeri's case it's especially true - her husband Marty Millard is our head coach!
The Cancer Connection...
Breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddling began at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada in 1996. Dr Don McKenzie a professor in the Department of sports medicine and an exercise physiologist, challenged the prevailing medical thinking that woman treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing lymphedema, a debilitating and chronic side-effect of treatment.
Dr. McKenzie developed a program to determine the impact of exercise on breast cancer survivors, choosing dragon boat paddling as the epitome of strenuous, repetitive upper body exercise. He trained twenty-four breast cancer volunteers in a gym for three months, introduced them to dragon boats and taught them paddling techniques. At the end of the three-month season on the water none of the volunteers had lymphedema. Not only that, survivors found they were fitter, healthier and happier. They loved the camaraderie and support of their fellow paddlers. They realized Dragonboat paddling could become a means of raising breast cancer awareness and show that survivors could lead normal, healthy lives.
Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club (JDBC)
Welcome to JDBC, where we celebrate the spirit of dragon boat racing with teams for everyone—men, women, and mixed! We take pride in being home to the only dragon boat training center in North Florida, equipped with top-notch equipment for both dragon boat training and general fitness. Join us for an exhilarating experience paddling on the beautiful Intercoastal Waterway multiple times a week, and who knows, you might even spot a dolphin along the way!
JDBC members enjoy the use of
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2 standard boats
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1 small boat
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3 OC-1's
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All conveniently docked at Windward Marina
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Club Paddles & PFDs
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Storage area for member equipment
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Restrooms with changing area and showers
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World class coaches
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Paddling with current and former members of Team USA
People You Should Know...
Meet our exceptional head coach, Coach Marty! With an impressive record, Coach Marty began paddling with Team USA in the Senior B division in 2015. He was a vital member of the 2019 Team USA Sr. C Team, which swept their class in Pattaya, Thailand, earning 8 gold medals and setting a world record for Team USA. We are thrilled to announce Coach Marty has been selected to represent Team USA Sr. C Team once again at the upcoming World Championships in Brandenburg, Germany. We're proud to have such a talented leader guiding our team!
Coach Drew, a dedicated leader of the Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club, will proudly represent Team USA at the IDBF World Championships this year. With a distinguished paddling career, including competing with Team USA in China in 2017 and serving on the SRDBA board, Drew brings expertise and passion to coaching. Recently retired, he now devotes even more time to helping paddlers excel. Known for his playful "Drewisms" and boat-side humor, Drew fosters a fun and inspiring environment for all.
Pam and Sokha, our dedicated Team Co-Captains, play a crucial role in keeping us organized and motivated. They lead the planning of our race festivals, social, and fundraising efforts, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Their commitment to our team's success is evident, and both will be representing Team USA in the 2025 Inaugural Breast Cancer Paddler (BCP) division. We're excited to see their leadership and passion continue to shine!