Marjo van Helvoirt Koop is the President of the NorthBreast Passage Dragonboat Society. Although she was born in Edmonton, she has been living in Prince George since 1965. Marjo lives with her husband, 17 year old daughter, 20 year old son and three step children. They also share their home with two cats, Lucky and Smudge.
Marjo got into dragonboating after hearing about amazing women who found balance in their lives through exercise, fun and community engagement. She believes that this experience has helped with healing, and because of the sport’s physical and mental demands she has found the strength needed to move forward. Paddling with other women provides a chance to share their common experience and overcome the challenges they have and continue to face.
The NorthBreast Passage Dragonboat Society helps people living with breast cancer overcome physical limitations and embrace a full, active life. Part of this includes providing support and helping to improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer as well as raising awareness and working towards a cure.
The NorthBreast Dragonboat Society meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Prince George Regional Hospital in the Chronic Disease room on the 2nd floor. From February to April they practice on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Four Seasons Pool and from June 1 to mid-September on Wednesdays and Sundays at West Lake.
The members of the NorthBreast Passage Dragonboat Society range in age from 35 to 75. They embody courage, endurance, hope and companionship working to support those who are living with or have survived cancer.
The NorthBreast Passage Dragonboat Society holds fundraising events and supports volunteer opportunities throughout the community. They provide support, friendship and comfort to others, and bring hope to all breast cancer survivors. To get involved with them contact Marjo at 250-564-2204 or Glenys at 250-563-0839.
