East Dallas – Last week, the clubhouse at The Trails Apartment was decked out in all pink as Dallas United Crew’s PINK Breast Cancer Survivor dragon boat team welcomed new members and hosted the kick-off to their third race season. What makes this season different than the rest? This season, the team plans to race this summer in Florence, Italy in the International BCS Dragon Boat Festival!
To help raise funds for the trip, the PINK team partnered with local entrepreneur Tony Palmer, founder of TropicSport mineral sunscreen and skin care, which launched earlier this year. Tony was on hand to present the team a check to the team that will go towards the team’s Italy trip. Funds were raised through TropicSport’s affinity program that donates proceeds back to non-profits and local community organizations.
“I'm thrilled to have a part in making your trip possible. You are an inspiration of what survivorship looks like.” Palmer told the team. As he continued, there was an emotional moment when he shared his personal cancer journey for the first time publically, “As a lymphoma survivor myself, I know what is it is like to have a doctor tell you, ‘you have six months to live’. I’m in full remission now, yet I was concerned about negative impact that chemical sunscreens can have on the planet and people. That was a big inspiration for starting TropicSport.”
“I think it was a surprise to all of us,” says Debbie Kehoe, PINK paddler and 22-year survivor. “I had no idea that the active chemicals in mainstream sunscreen were so harmful to the reefs and marine life. What’s really scary is that these chemicals are also hormone disruptors creating havoc on our bodies and enabling cancer to grow,” Kehoe explained. “We’re grateful to partner with Tony and TropicSport because it helps us in more ways than one – helps us raise funds, but more importantly no harsh active chemicals!”
Dallas United PINK dragon boat practices are in full swing getting ready for the upcoming racing season. The team will be heading to Florence, Italy in just a few months. If you are a survivor or know someone who is, Dallas United PINK is for you! Come join us on White Rock Lake and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!
About Dallas United Crew
Dallas United Crew’s mission is to transform lives and build community through teamwork in oar and paddle sports. DUC offers a variety of rowing and dragon boating programs for adults and youth age 11+ on White Rock Lake located in East Dallas. Since 2002, DUC has been building community, fostering leadership and teamwork and having fun through oar and paddle sports. These programs challenge, strengthen and empower people both mentally and physically. Both novice and experienced rowers and paddlers are welcome. DUC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. For complete information on getting out on the water with DUC, visit www.dallasunitedcrew.org.
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About TropicSport
TropicSport, part of X3EM Brands, manufactures in the USA a complete line of mineral sunscreens that are reef friendly, and after-sun face and body cleansers and moisturizers designed to be a complete skincare system that protects, cleanses and replenishes. TropicSport sunscreen products are made from natural ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide & titanium dioxide. All products come in reusable and recyclable containers, and are environmentally friendly. Learn more at TropicSport.com/ducp.