The Miles of Hope dragon boat captained by volunteer and breast cancer survivor and Dutchess County resident, Cathi DeLeon, won the 2010 charity race for cancer at the Dragon Boat Races held annually at River Front Green as part of Peekskill Celebration in northern Westchester County, NY.
Cathy DeLeon, a tireless volunteer for Miles of Hope, has been racing her boat for three years.
“This is the first time we won!” she exclaimed. “We are so excited to bring recognition to Miles of Hope and to the great work the foundation does in the Hudson Valley.”
Dragon Boat Races were held August 6-8 this year on the Hudson River at Peekskill, NY. Dragon boat teams compete and picnic all day while cheering each other on in different races. It is a family day and the festival offers activities other than racing – face painting, food, crafts, free giveaways by local merchants, civil war re-enactments, etc.
Each year one race is devoted to cancer survivors, patients and their families. Participants raise a rose in honor or memory of people affected by cancer
The Miles of Hope dragon boat manned and ready is paddled by up to 18 people. When it is out on the Hudson River the silhouette is stunning. And the view from the Met Life blimp shows the Cancer Memorial Race with the boats neck and neck.
“Cathi is on our Hoops for Hope Women’s Basketball Tournament Committee,” explained Cathy Varunok, Co-Founder of Miles of Hope. “She is always championing our cause and making people aware of the foundation’s support programs. We applaud her commitment and drive. It is because of people like her that we are able to touch so many lives and help those affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley.”
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