About the Silver Lining Foundation
We are the first (and only) all breast cancer survivor dragon boat and outrigger canoe team in Montana
The Silver Lining Sisterhood​
The Silver Lining Sisterhood began in the spring of 2015, where a small group of “sisters” began gathering to support each other in the aftermath of breast cancer treatment. A few of us had met during chemo, others were referred to by friends. It evolved very organically. We were brought together by the common experience of being in the trenches and trying to decipher how to move forward after the “battle”– post-surgery, post-chemo, post-radiation, post-the life that we used to know. Our group has grown to over 350 members on our closed FB group, Silver Lining Support Group. We became a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2017, in order to help support and promote our mission. We are a sisterhood that appreciates the value of working together toward a common goal and studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the rate of recurrence by 40-50%. We practice what we preach. As our member numbers increase, so does our need to move forward with our mission. We appreciate any support that aids in our mission of empowering breast cancer survivors….in mind, body and spirit.
The Mission
The
mission
of
silver lining foundation-montana is to build a strong, supportive community of breast cancer survivors and we are dedicated to empowering individuals through education, physical activity and ongoing research to achieve and maintain wellness of mind, body, and spirit.
Our Vision
Our VISION is to be the SILVER LINING for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and to create a community of belonging.
SILVER LINING FOUNDATION MONTANA
How We Roll
2x/week, led by our personal trainer Mike Rankin and Rankin Fitness
1-2X/week, group-led
Our Monthly Gatherings take place the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from October through April. We bring in a variety of educational speakers to talk about a multitude of topics pertaining to survivorship. These are casual potlucks and a great place to meet new sisters. These are free of charge and open to all.
Location: 119 W Main in the Headwaters Foundation building
Time: 6pm-8pm
Silver Lining Montana Paddlers
Silver Lining Montana Paddlers—closed page, all things related to training and paddling schedules, etc.
Silver Lining Montana Support Group
Silver Lining Montana—closed facebook page, open to only survivors. This is a safe platform for all the ask questions, etc.
Silver Lining Foundation Montana
Silver Lining Foundation Montana—open page for community outreach
Dragonboat Festival
The most enticing aspect of dragon boat racing is its social nature. While training and fitness are important, success depends on teamwork and synchronicity, fostering great camaraderie among members.
Silver Lining Board of Directors
Members At Large
Stronger Together: Dragon Boat Team
The most enticing aspect of dragon boat might be the social one. You can train, you can be in shape, but the secret to success is really synchronicity: working together as a TEAM. There’s a great camaraderie that develops as a unit.
How Do I Join?
Getting Started​
If you want to have fun and you’re willing to get wet, that’s pretty much the prerequisite. And you need to know how to swim!
The Commitment​
Silver Lining Racing Team practices from May to late September, two to three times a week. Our team competes in 2-3 regattas per season in both Canada and the US. And we also host a paddling clinic in late June.
Fees​
The cost is free for the 1st year paddlers. A minimal annual membership fee will apply to experienced paddlers to cover boat use and other expenses. By implementing a fee, there’s a vested interest since this is a pay-to-play sport. If someone has financial difficulties, we can work with them to make it feasible.
6-person Outrigger Canoe (OC6)
The Silver Lining of Covid is that it introduced us to the 6-person Outrigger Canoe (OC6) and to Hawaiian elder Kimokeo Kapahulehua from Maui. Besides our two dragon boats, we now have included in our fleet six outrigger canoes that were gifted to us by Kimokeo and friends. These Tahitian style outriggers allow us to travel significant distances and they can take the big waters that Flathead Lake can bring. The emphasis with the outriggers is more on voyaging than sprint races (which we do in dragon boats).
In 2025, we will be hosting our 6th Annual Paddle Palooza on Flathead Lake, July 11,12,13. What began in 2019 with just ten Silver Lining ladies paddling the length of Flathead Lake in an OC1 (1-person outrigger) has now grown into an event with over 200 paddlers from around the globe.
Silver Lining Montana Gym
3x/week, led by our personal trainer, Mike Rankin of Rankin Fitness.
Our private gym is in the Century Plaza building on Stephens Ave
Stay Up-To-Date With Our Instagram And Facebook
Local And National Resource Links
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
