In 2012, when C2 assembled a team to compete in the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, our co-founder Carolyn Edwards was on that team: She provided muscle and motivation, helping the team raise money to help breast cancer survivors. Sadly, two years after the race, Carolyn passed away, herself having lived bravely and gracefully with cancer.

With Carolyn’s legacy in mind and this year being C2’s 25th anniversary, we decided to assemble another Dragon Boat race team, affectionately named “From C2 Shining Sea.” C2 Senior Solutions Architect Jim Heintz once again poured his heart and soul into the effort, leading our team with meticulous perseverance and passion. There were many after-hours meetings, a fundraiser at a local restaurant, a 200-person Calcutta complete with a silent auction, a fine-tuned practice race and so much more.

The race was held on August 5th. It was a hot, sunny Vermont day with temps in the 90’s. We donned superhero capes and masks, and decorated our tent with signs that read “BAM!”, “WHAP!”, “BANG!” We competed in three races sandwiched between a lot of team camaraderie, Zumba dances, water breaks, laughter and tears.

The race concluded with a sunflower ceremony, where a member from each team gathered at the dock with a sunflower to reflect and give a moment of silence —an emotional and fitting tribute for Carolyn, for all survivors and all who have lost their lives to cancer.

Our efforts paid off, and last week we were honored at a recognition ceremony hosted by The University of Vermont Medical Center’s Integrative Health team for raising a record $18,496(!!) – more than any team in the 13-year history of Dragonheart Vermont.

Said Linda Dyer, Co-Founder of Dragonheart Vermont:

“Our Dragonheart Vermont team is simply in awe of the fundraising efforts of your From C2 Shining Sea team. You blew the top off the record and completely raised the bar to the sky. Amazing! You inspire us with your efforts. On behalf of our entire Dragonheart VT team, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you and your teammates. Thank you all!

I see your Facebook posts and you inspire me with your dedication to our VT community. Keep on being such stellar examples of community movers.  Congrats on your 25th anniversary of C2. I wish you another 25 years of teamwork and giving spirit.”

The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, held on beautiful Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, began in 2005. In the years since, thousands of paddlers have participated, raising over $2.2 million to address cancer-related needs in the community. Over the years, among things that the Dragon Boat Festival funds have been used for include purchasing needed medical equipment, providing hospice care, establishing wellness and yoga programs, and financially assisting patients and loved ones with the purchase of needed devices and other expenses.

We will continue to look back with fondness and gratitude for our participation in this year’s event, the wonderful people we met and the lives we have and will continue to touch of people affected by cancer in our community.