The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club launches Brigitte Wallace McKee Bosom Buddies Grant Fund to provide need-based financial support to individuals receiving a breast cancer diagnosis to enable participation in dragon boat racing.
Brigitte Lynn Wallace McKee
August 8, 2022: ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: In recognition of the 12th Anniversary of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club (ADBC) and in partnership with Bosom Buddies Charities (BBC), Joni Krafft, Chairwoman ADBC, announced the establishment of the Brigitte Wallace McKee Bosom Buddies Grant Fund to provide need-based financial support to individuals receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. ADBC and BBC are honored to pay tribute to Brigitte (1976 -2020), who fought metastatic breast cancer with grace and bravery, serving as an inspiration to all of those who had the good fortune to know her. Brigitte graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society and received an MA from the University of the Pacific in Organizational Leadership. During her years at Stanford University, Brigitte was in the NROTC program and served six years in the US Navy as a surface warfare officer, ship navigator, and as an instructor at the US Naval Academy. Upon leaving the Navy, she worked at Booze Allen and Associates. She was an avid athlete, enjoying competitive swimming, softball, and soccer, and played tennis at the collegiate level. Brigitte discovered dragon boating following her initial breast cancer diagnosis in Charleston, SC, and continued her passion for the sport with ADBC on her move to Annapolis. “ADBC was lucky to have her as a paddler and drummer for years before her passing, but our greatest blessing was to have her as a dear friend and role model. We know Brigitte would love nothing more than to be helping those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis by sharing her love of dragon boating,” says Joni Krafft.
The Fund will provide grants to individuals to enable their participation in the organization and receive all the health and wellness benefits of dragon boating. Grants are available to cover costs of membership, travel costs to participate in race events, and equipment needs. The Fund was made possible through a generous grant from Bosom Buddies Charities.
“We are so pleased to provide funding to enable the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club to start this fund in Brigitte’s honor,” says Claudia Boldyga, BBC Chair. “We know that participation in dragon boat racing has tremendous health and wellness benefits for breast cancer survivors. BBC’s contribution to ADBC will make membership available to anyone who wants to participate.”
Dragon boating has become an international movement for breast cancer survivors. The rigorous sport helps women avoid one of the most difficult complications of breast cancer: lymphedema, the painful swelling that can occur after the surgical removal of lymph nodes. “ADBC is a unique ‘support group’. We offer women and men a post-diagnosis and treatment activity that helps them chart a new normal, getting back to their lives and goals before breast cancer. Our members call themselves breast cancer ‘warriors’, and we demonstrate recovery with every stroke. Brigitte was the epitome of a warrior,” says ADBC Chairwoman Joni Krafft. According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health (last updated in May 2022), approximately 2,223 women in the county were diagnosed with breast cancer, and there were 351 deaths in the county from the disease. Bosom Buddies Charities promotes breast cancer awareness, encourages early detection, supports treatment, and celebrates healing for women in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.
The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club has two dragon boats, each 40 feet long, accommodating 20 paddlers plus a steerer and a drummer. Their home port is Pier 4 Marina in Annapolis, where four times each week, paddlers ranging from novice to experienced convene for 90-minute sessions, including an exercise warm-up, a brief training, and motivational lecture.
Contact: Joni Krafft
Email: [email protected]
Website: AnnapolisDragonBoatClub.org
Contact: Claudia Boldyga
Email: [email protected]
Website: BosomBuddiesCharities.com
