Winneshiek Medical Center team competes in Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival in La Crosse

A group of nearly two dozen Winneshiek County residents normally spend their time at Winneshiek Medical Center as nurses, health unit coordinators, maintenance workers, doctors and administrators.  On Saturday in La Crosse they will be the crew of a dragon boat.

"We have a great mix of people representing Winneshiek Medical Center and Winneshiek County," says WMC Clinic health unit coordinator Amy Breitsprecher.  Says Breitsprecher, "I heard about the dragon boat race last year, and knew it was something I wanted to be part of.  When the invitation to form a team was sent to WMC staff, I immediately signed up and began recruiting others."  The WMC team, Mayo WOW (Wonders of Winneshiek), is comprised of staff and some family members.  
The dragon boat festival begins Friday night in Copeland Park in La Crosse with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. followed by exhibition and youth races.  The evening will conclude with fireworks by The La Crosse Skyrockers.
 
Then, starting at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, 50 teams consisting of 20 paddlers each will begin racing on the Black River.  The awards ceremony will be held around 4:00 p.m.

Funds from the Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival promote breast cancer survivorship through Center for Breast Care programs at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare, focusing on prevention, detection and treatment. Specifically, funds are used to provide free mammogram screenings for women in financial need and comprehensive care and support for all patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Mayo Clinic Health System oncologists regularly travel to Decorah to provide cancer care for our patients," said Winneshiek Medical Center chief administrative officer Lisa Radtke, --who is also a member of the dragon boat team.  "The Dragon Boat Festival is a unique, fun and exciting way to raise awareness and funds for our MCHS Franciscan Healthcare Center for Breast Care programs, while building relationships with co-workers and our extended community."