Cancer Institute Sponsors Dragon Boat Documentary
Sarasota Memorial's Jellison Cancer Institute is backing the film "Chasing Dragons," which follows a Team USA breast cancer dragon boat crew preparing for the 2027 world championships.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Cancer
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute has sponsored the documentary "Chasing Dragons - Survival Was Just the Beginning," supported by the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. The film follows the Team USA Breast Cancer Paddler dragon boat team as members try out, train and prepare to compete.
Why it matters
The sponsorship supports Sarasota Memorial's mission to promote cancer awareness and early detection while providing coordinated cancer care close to home. The sponsorship was announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The project is led by executive producer Paula Murray, a 20-year breast cancer survivor and champion dragon boat paddler, with the Jellison Cancer Institute established in 2020. The film's total budget, release date and remaining funding gap have not been disclosed.
The players
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
A Sarasota-based health system whose Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute sponsors the documentary and whose foundation supports the project.
Paula Murray
A 20-year breast cancer survivor, champion dragon boat paddler and assistant coach for Team USA BCP who serves as the film's executive producer.
The details
"Chasing Dragons - Survival Was Just the Beginning" is produced in Sarasota with a team that includes executive producer Emery Clay III, director of photography Jay P. Morgan and consulting director/producer Stacy Waters. The film is intended to bring its message to screens around the country and the world.
Timeline
2020: Jellison Cancer Institute established.
October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month): Sponsorship announced.
2027: International Dragon Boat World Championships in Hong Kong, the competition the Team USA crew is training for.
Big Picture
Timed to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sponsorship uses survivor-led storytelling, a format that cancer centers increasingly pair with awareness campaigns to reach audiences beyond clinical settings. It extends the observance's annual messaging into a long-form film rather than a single-day event.
Breast cancer survivors and their families in the Sarasota area can learn about the Jellison Cancer Institute's services and the film's message through the sponsorship's outreach. The documentary's focus on survivorship highlights the importance of early detection and coordinated care for those navigating treatment.
The takeaway
Early detection and survivorship support remain central to cancer care, and community-based storytelling can help extend awareness beyond a single month. Readers interested in the film can follow its progress as the production seeks additional donors and sponsors.
Further reading
Explore more cancer coverage on Wisevoter for context on how survivorship and awareness efforts shape care in Sarasota.
More information
Learn more about the project and how to support it on the Chasing Dragons film information and support page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
