For decades, breast cancer survivors were told to restrict physical activity. Those who had lymph nodes removed as part of their treatment were told that strenuous upper body movement could have serious adverse effects on their recovery and life after treatment. Following a career in physical therapy and her own breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival, Mary Skrypek is helping to break that myth and give cancer survivors in Minnesota a place to turn to for support.

Skrypek received a degree in biology from the College of St. Teresa in 1971. In 1974 she graduated from the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. She practiced outpatient physical therapy in orthopedic and sports therapy clinics for 41 years until her retirement in 2014.

In 2003, Skrypek was diagnosed with breast cancer. In order to prove to the world - and herself - that her diagnosis would not define her, Skrypek trained for and completed the 2005 Twin Cities Marathon.

Following her diagnosis, she was certified as a lymphedema specialist. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body due to a buildup of lymph fluid, and can occur after cancer treatment, specifically breast cancer surgery. She served as the primary investigator in a research study from 2004-10 that looked at reconstructive surgery in post mastectomy patients and its impact on lymphedema. This research was presented at the 2010 National Lymphedema Conference in Orlando.

In 2005, Skrypek attended the Women’s Cancer Symposium at the Mayo Clinic, and it was there that the Dragon Divas were born. She heard presentations about research data from studies done on lymphedema in female dragon boat racers following their breast cancer diagnosis. This study proved that repetitive motion and use of the upper body following cancer treatment did not cause lymphedema. Skrypek connected deeply with this groundbreaking study, and decided to bring dragon boat racing back home with her.

Dragon boat teams compete in large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon's heads and tails. Crews of up to 20 people sit in pairs and paddle to compete in races on open water. The founding of the Dragon Divas in 2005 marked the second dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors in Minnesota, and the 100th in the world. The Divas were formally recognized as a nonprofit in 2007, and head into their 20th season as an organization with 110 members.

Skrypek, who is still an active member and paddler of the Dragon Divas, helped build a community helping those who had received a breast cancer diagnosis recover both physically and emotionally, and participate together in a form of survivorship. The group trains year-round and are in dragon boats three times a week from May until September on Lake Gervais in Little Canada. The Divas compete in dragon boat festivals throughout Minnesota and the continental United States. The team has even traveled to International Breast Cancer Festivals in Canada, New Zealand, Italy, and, in 2026, France.

The Dragon Divas range in age from 35 to 86, and are a mix of women who have been active in sports all their lives, but most are experiencing being a part of a team for the first time. They work with coaches and clinicians to improve technique, fitness, and teamwork, but the most important part of the Dragon Divas is the camaraderie and positive energy they share with those around them.

Paddling isn’t for everyone, so in 2006 Skrypek also created a community based exercise program for breast cancer survivors through then-HealthEast in collaboration with the YMCA. She ran the program until she retired in 2014. In 2007, she received the One of Our Best Award from the HealthEast Care System for going above and beyond and helping to further the system’s vision. She has frequently volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and Second Harvest Heartland. She continues to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children and is part of the Grandparents Association at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School.

Driven by her diagnosis, Skrypek funneled her energy into learning more about breast cancer and its treatment, and helped find ways for survivors like herself to actively recover and find a community for support. Her research led her to dragon boating, and the Dragon Divas have been breaking down stereotypes of what survivors can and can’t do - and creating a welcoming community for survivors from around Minnesota ever since.