MEET KIM OKABAYASHI: CELEBRATING BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL THROUGH PINK DRAGONS BOATRACING

Story and photos submitted by Abella Carroll

Kim Okabayashi

From the shores of Hawai’i to Belmont Shore, Kim Okabayashi is enjoying her best life. But she wasn’t happy eight years ago when diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, early-stage breast cancer. As a health practitioner and certified yoga instructor, the news was devastating to the happily married, mother of two. Her husband, Michael, became her rock-solid supporter, but there would be no comforting from her mother or father; they had passed away in 2010 and 2014. Yet Kim’s positive attitude on life and fitness prevailed.

After a lumpectomy and 35 radiation treatments, Kim needed a break from the side effects including skin burn, fatigue, nauseousness, and loss of appetite. Determined to fight cancer, she attended the Susan G. Koman Walk where she received a gift bag. Inside a card read “Come, Paddle Long Beach” and she exclaimed, “I’m from Long Beach!” She emailed and immediately received a response. Six months later, she was in a dragon boat after signing waivers with the Los Angeles Pink Dragons! Located in Long Beach, Pink Dragons is California’s first breast cancer survivor Dragon Boat Racing Team where practices occur at Mother’s Beach, Belmont Shore.

Unbeknownst to Kim, she was on a healing journey that would change her life. “I love the ocean and I dearly missed O’ahu,” she recalls. “I loved that dragon boat paddling uses your whole body. I started feeling stronger physically and mentally. But the sisterhood of survivors is what keeps me going back.”

She is now a member of the board of directors and is striving to live her best life again. “My breast cancer was detected at an annual visit. Thankfully, found at an early stage. Paddling with the Pink Dragons has been the silver lining to cancer. Come join us!” 

The Story Behind Breast Cancer And Dragon Boating

In 1996, Dr. Don McKenzie, professor of sports medicine at the University of British Columbia, challenged the notion that breast cancer survivors avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of lymphedema. To prove his theory, he formed a dragon boat crew comprising 22 breast cancer survivors. Not only did the women not develop lymphedema, they became more fit, built camaraderie, and emerged healthier and happier. All 22 women refused to stop paddling when research concluded. Breast cancer survivor teams popped up across USA and today there are over 200 survivor dragon boat teams worldwide.

To join Los Angeles Pink Dragons, contact lapinkdragons.org.