Laurie Butler, coach and trainer of the Hope Chest Dragon Boat Team, met Nina Sacco while living in the same neighborhood in Fulton, New York in 1982. Nina was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 38. Nina, a strong believer in movement and exercise as a daily activity was determined to be an inspiration and mentor to other women. While going through treatment for her cancer, she and Laurie, personal trainers "in training", discovered there was very little information on what physical activity was safe and beneficial during treatment and recovery. Nina asked Laurie to develop an exercise program for her. Laurie became the trainer with a mission, obtaining her Clinical Exercise Specialist Certification and implementing an exercise program for Nina. Nina became the mentor for what level of activity was tolerated during chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and post bone marrow transplant. Nina and Laurie explored what and how much activity helped make her feel strong and productive each day. Nina made the most of her 10 years of living with cancer, but lost her fight in May 2000. In honor of her best friend, Laurie continued her research and developed a free exercise program for women with breast cancer. She then recruited the first breast cancer survivors through a small volunteer article in the local newspaper which asked for survivors to participate in the exercise program and to learn to paddle. Today, Nina remains the inspiration for the Hope Chest Exercise Program and Dragon Boat Team. The team's first dragon boat acquired in 2006 is named "Nina's Hope" in Nina's memory and the Betsy Lee, in memory of Betsy Lipsitz, an avid supporter of the Hope Chest Team. The Louis B. Billitier Foundation's annual golf event made the purchase of the team's second dragon boat, "Nina's Dream" a reality in 2009. Luminina, the not-for-profit organization for the Hope Chest, means "the light of Nina".

Dragon Boat racing is a symbol of power and strength for women who have walked the path of breast cancer. The Dragon Boat Team brings an awareness of the prevalence and scope of breast cancer to the public eye. The team is the true face of breast cancer; wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, nieces and friends. The Hope Chest Dragon Boat Team of Buffalo, New York is truly a team of survivors. The team is comprised of women ranging in age from their early 30's to mid 70's. They are from different walks of life, different levels of fitness and they are at different stages in coping with the disease; some years from diagnosis, some just months out of treatment. The women meet to exercise twice a week in a specially designed program that focuses on range of motion, flexibility and strengthening. The Hope Chest's main goals are to provide an exercise program designed specifically for survivors, to improve survivors' quality of life, raise awareness about breast cancer and to show that when you have cancer, it does not mean life cannot be active and positive. Founded in January 2000, the Hope Chest is one of many international dragon boat breast cancer survivor teams, the second team in the United States and New York State's first breast cancer survivor team. The Hope Chest Team provides personal healing and support. Exercising and participating in the sport gives the women some control over their lives, as well as their emotional and physical strength. The sheer physical exercise involved in propelling a dragon boat forward creates a sense of achievement and an empowering sense of well-being. The Hope Chest Team is an active form of support, emphasizing the positive in life after cancer. Most importantly, the Team gives hope for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, especially those newly diagnosed. Being one of a group of survivors who participate and compete with such energy gives much needed hope and optimism for the future. The Hope Chest Team demonstrates that after diagnosis and the hardship of treatment, life can continue and be lived to the fullest.

All breast cancer survivors are welcome to come and visit our exercise group at any time! The Hope Chest Exercise Program is specifically designed for women with breast cancer and those with lymphedema.  Lead by Trainer Laurie Butler, our hour long group class is an ever changing combination of weight training, aerobics, yoga and Pilates.  Everyone begins at their current fitness level and progresses at their own rate.  We currently meet year round on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm at the Jewish Center in Amherst and January - May on Saturdays at 9:30 at St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo.  This class is free and you are welcome to join us at any time. All that is needed to begin is a note from your physican indicating you are fine to exercise.  Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers to class.  Exercise participants may join the Dragon Boat team after 12 weeks of workouts.  Don't want to join the Dragon Boat team?  Come experience a great, fun workout with an amazing group of women!  We invite all to work out with us!

For more information contact us at hopechestteam@gmail.com

Luminina, the not-for-profit organization for the Hope Chest, means "the light of Nina". It was formed in 2000 to support the mission of the Hope Chest exercise and dragon boat programs.