SARASOTA, FL (October 13, 2026) – A Sarasota-based documentary celebrating the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors has received a key sponsorship this month from Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, helping bring inspiring stories of survivorship to audiences around the world.
Supported by the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Sarasota Memorial’s sponsorship will boost the production of “Chasing Dragons – Survival Was Just the Beginning,” which follows the Team USA Breast Cancer Paddler (BCP) dragon boat team as its members try out, train and prepare to compete in the 2027 International Dragon Boat World Championships in Hong Kong.
Executive producer for this film is Sarasota resident Paula Murray, a 20-year breast cancer survivor, champion dragon boat paddler, and assistant coach for the Team USA BCP dragon boat team. Through the personal stories of survivors turned elite athletes, Murray hopes to inspire audiences while raising awareness of the importance of early cancer detection and treatment and the triumphs of survivorship.
“When I finally rang the bell indicating that my cancer was gone 20 years ago, I never could have imagined I’d be a champion dragon boat paddler, a coach for Team USA, or a filmmaker,” she said. “For me, this serves to reinforce the core message of ‘Chasing Dragons’: that the finish line of cancer can be a new beginning. I am so grateful to SMH, the Jellison Cancer Institute team and Healthcare Foundation for their support as we work to bring this dream project to screens around the country – and the world.”
Announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sponsorship supports SMH’s mission to promote cancer awareness and early detection while providing comprehensive, coordinated cancer care close to home. Established in 2020, SMH’s Jellison Cancer Institute brings together multidisciplinary cancer specialists and advanced services to support patients through every stage of their cancer journey, from screening and diagnosis to innovative treatments, clinical trials, rehabilitation and survivorship.
“Cancer care is about more than treating a disease. It's about helping people reclaim their health, their confidence and their lives,” said Kelli Dancer, vice president of Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. “The women featured in this documentary are a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of cancer survivors. We are proud to support a project that celebrates life beyond cancer while reinforcing the importance of education, early detection and access to high-quality cancer care.”
The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's support reflects its commitment to advancing the health system's mission and expanding its impact in the community, said Stacey Corley, president of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
“By supporting ‘Chasing Dragons,’ we hope to help amplify an important message about breast cancer awareness and survivorship, while inspiring others who are facing cancer to see the possibilities ahead,” Corley said. “These women's stories demonstrate the extraordinary power of hope, determination and community support.”
Murray, a strategic design and fundraising consultant with Sarasota-based Artefact Design, is seeking additional donors and sponsors for the documentary. She is working with an accomplished production team that includes executive producer Emery Clay III, a six-time Emmy Award-winner at Nike; director of photography Jay P. Morgan, a director of photography for NBC Olympics; and consulting director/producer Stacy Waters, a seven-time Emmy Award-winner.
To learn more about the film and how to support the effort, visit chasingdragonsfilm.com.
About Chasing Dragons – Survival Was Just the Beginning
Filmed in cinéma vérité style, the feature-length documentary film “Chasing Dragons” will capture deeply personal character portraits of hardship and survival and weave them together with high-energy cinematic sports storytelling. “Chasing Dragons” will capture the raw vulnerability of women reclaiming their identities after cancer while tracking the rigorous training, setbacks, and triumphs of building the U.S. Breast Cancer Paddler team. These parallel stories of personal struggle and collective strength will culminate in an international competition that reframes how we think about competition, collaboration, and self-determination. Visit chasingdragonsfilm.com to learn more.