As this empowered group of new exercisers has gained strength, Laurie formed a team, appropriately named the "Hope Chest.” This team prepared to enter competition in a Dragon Boat Race. At the time, this was the first team of survivors in New York State and only the second such team in the United States in this sport. The competition involves racing 44-foot "canoes," adorned with a beautiful dragonhead and tail, with twenty synchronized paddlers, a drummer, and steersperson. Laurie has worked tirelessly to provide a free exercise and paddling program, while organizing and encouraging her team to achieve personal and team goals many would never have believed possible. The group includes sixty women between the ages of 33-76 from all areas of Western New York. Before joining this group, many members had never previously exercised or had ever taken part in such a team.

With growing numbers, the team continues to workout as a group, twice a week, year round. Team members are in various stages of cancer treatment, some recently diagnosed, some having just completed treatment, and others in remission for many years. Laurie's positive energy and encouragement have inspired us all. She continues to expand the limitations regarding what we think we can achieve, and reminds us that a full life beckons, even after a diagnosis of breast cancer. As part of an enormous outreach project this year, Laurie Dooley and the Hope Chest Team have just completed a documentary film, “The Hope Chest – Life After Breast Cancer.” Laurie and her dream team hope to send the message to the 40,000 newly diagnosed men and women with breast cancer: you can empower yourselves and your families, and you can live your life more actively and with greater vitality than before your diagnosis.

Laurie Dooley has helped form a community of support––and a boat full of hope. Laurie conducts every workout and paddling practice, donating her time after a full day at her "real job" as a personal trainer. She maintains that we (the team) are "the best part of her day," making her smile just as she provides the light and inspiration in our lives. Above all, Laurie has given a message of hope and health not just to the survivors on our team, but also to all who have come in contact with her.

To learn more about Laurie Dooley and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.hopechestbuffalo.com

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