HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Every practice moves them forward — rebuilding strength, restoring mobility, and proving that survival is just the beginning.
On the water in Hollywood, the Broward Fierce Fighters move as one. Paddles slice the lake, voices rise in unison and determination drives every stroke. Dragon boating isn’t just a sport — it’s therapy, empowerment, and above all, community.
“I was diagnosed when I was 38 years old,” said President and Founder of Broward Fierce Fighters, Mary Carrillo. “I was young. It was a very aggressive form.”
After surgery, chemo and 40 rounds of radiation, Carrillo founded the team in 2016. Inspired by other survivor teams across Florida and around the world, she created a place for women to heal together — and get strong.
Related Link: Save Our Sisters (SOS) is a non-profit organization, and South Florida’s first Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing team.
“We don’t row… rowers go backwards. We go forward,” said Carrillo. “It just gives you the strength that you need. It gets rid of all the scar tissue that you got when you’re going through surgery and chemo and radiation — all of that good stuff — and so it gives us something to look forward to.”
Carrillo and other members noticed more young women getting diagnosed with breast cancer in recent years. The team consists of people of all ages and backgrounds, some still fighting and others surviving breast cancer.
Dragon Boating and Breast Cancer
“Dragon boating became associated with breast cancer survivors in 1996 because of Dr. Don McKenzie, who is a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia,” the Dragon Boat Team website states. “He recruited 24 breast cancer patients to participate in this sport which proved that upper body exercise was beneficial and reduced lymphedema contrary to common belief. In addition, the team provided emotional support, camaraderie and an information system for this deadly disease that now affects 1 in 8 women over their lifetimes.”
The team practices twice a week in the city of Hollywood. Each stroke rebuilds mobility, restores strength, and even helps fight lymphedema, a common side effect of treatment.
“When you’re in treatment, people are there and supporting you, but nobody really talks about what happens after treatment,” said CA Tolchinsky, who has been with the team since 2018.
“You’re always looking over your shoulder like, ‘I’m out. I’m good. My oncologist and everybody says I’m good, however, is it gonna come back?’” she continued.
On the water, that fear fades. These teammates find therapy and community all in one.
“It’s a rough time when you’re in the moment and you can’t see outside of it,” said survivor Kristina Midgley. “You come out here, paddle — you’ll see the bigger picture. You’ll see survivors that are 20+ years, that are living and thriving and just doing amazing.”
Now Broward Fierce Fighters are going global to compete. They’ll head to France for the International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival, joining survivor teams from around the world who will gather to share updates, talk treatments — and of course, race fiercely.
To find out how you can help the team, join or find other resources, click here.
The Broward Fierce Fighters are set to compete in France in August 2026. Until then, they continue racing on state and national circuits, with their next event scheduled for December at TY Park in Hollywood.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
