Frequently Asked Questions
We are the first (and only) all breast cancer survivor dragon boat and outrigger canoe team in Montana
What exactly does Silver Lining Foundation-Montana do?
We are here to support others who are going through (or have a history) of breast cancer treatment. We create a community of “surthrivers” and help support each other through monthly informational gatherings, gym workouts in our private gym, and paddling outrigger and dragon boats during the summer months!
How do I find more information or talk to someone directly?
CONTACT USPlease contact us and leave your number if you’d like to speak directly with a Silver Lining member.
Do you give financial support to individuals?
Your support helps fuel our exciting activities! Every contribution goes directly towards enriching our dragon boat and outrigger paddling programs, monthly gatherings, inspiring speakers, special events, University of Montana research support, and more. Together, we create unforgettable experiences!
What if I’ve never paddled before?
None of us had ever been in a dragon boat or outrigger before we joined Silver Lining Montana.
ALL are welcome!! Our only prerequisites are that you know how to swim and are comfortable in the water.
Where is dragon boat practice?
Salmon Lake, contact for schedule
Where is outrigger practice?
At the Montana Canoe Club in Big Arm, MT on Flathead Lake
Typically we practice on Tuesdays at 6pm & Sundays at 8am
What if I don’t want to work out but would like just to meet people?
That is absolutely fine! Our monthly gatherings are held at Headwaters Foundation located at 119 W. Main Street in Missoula and are a great place to meet others who have been through this darn rodeo!
We always have a casual potluck of healthy snacks/dishes and typically we invite a speaker each month to talk about various things.
In the past, we’ve had naturopaths, surgeons, acupuncturists, exercise scientists, oncologists and more.
We believe that knowledge is power and we love bringing in speakers to talk about their respective specialty.
Is there a cost for workouts?
We offer gym workouts on a sliding scale to make them accessible to everyone. Our suggested contribution is $5-10 per session or $40 per month, and we ask that you pay what you're able within that range. We have our own dedicated trainer who leads our group sessions in a private gym setting. If cost is a concern, please contact info@silverliningmt.org to discuss options that work for your situation.
Where is the gym?
Our gym is at 3819 Stephens Avenue S in the Century Plaza building.
It is our own private gym that is generously donated to us by the owners of the building. If you are interested in seeing it, please contact us to arrange a tour.
When are the gym workouts?
CONTACT USMonday and Thursday at 5:45 pm and Saturday mornings at 8 am with trainer Mike Rankin
Is there a cost to paddle during the summer?
Your first paddle session is free.
There is a $100 seasonal fee due on April 1st.
This basically is a vested interest and is normal team practice.
If you have financial difficulties, the Foundation will help support this cost.
What if I’m new to exercising and not ready to jump into your workouts?
If you’re currently going through treatment and/or have not exercised much, we have two options:
- The first would be to register for a free program through Alpine PT called Fit to Fight. It’s a 6-week program that is led by trained physical therapists.
- We also are working with the University of MT Cardiopulmonary and Cancer Rehab Lab, which is led by graduate students and work with small groups to establish base strength and fitness, depending on current cancer treatment and/or physical limitations.
What do you mean “Exercise is Medicine?”
Our big push behind our organization is to get individuals to MOVE. The research resoundingly indicates that we can reduce our rate of recurrence by 40-50% with REGULAR exercise. This is our mantra and we have so much fun doing it! It’s about finding joy and the silver lining in a cancer diagnosis.
