Daddy Daughter Dance to Raise Funds For Dancers Against Cancer
Dance Du Coeur is hosting its first Daddy Daughter Dance to raise money for Dancers Against Cancer, an official 501(c)3 organization that provides financial assistance to dance educators and dancers impacted by cancer. DAC has raised over one million dollars in donations to help cancer survivors in the dance community.
Brooke Kotrla, who just started teaching at Dance Du Coeur this year and is a Greatwood resident, was a recipient of DAC support in 2017 after being treated for brain cancer. Brooke had just completed her sophomore year in college when she was diagnosed with a large tumor in her frontal lobe. She had been suffering from extreme lethargy, visual disturbances and other problems for several months prior to going to the doctor, Brooke said.
“I was napping all the time and had no energy to do anything,” she said. Immediately after being diagnosed, Brooke underwent an 11 hour surgery followed by Proton Radiation and then a year of chemotherapy. Terry Schulke, the Industry Dance Awards Ambassador for DAC and a cancer survivor, was alerted about Brooke’s situation and introduced her to the organization.
“They financially helped my family but also connected me with other dancers who had cancer,” she said. “It was really important for me to know I wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t the only one with cancer.”
“They also offered support for my caregivers. Cancer effects everyone in the family,” she said. “It’s a great organization,” she said of Dancers Against Cancer. “They see you for who you are. You are sick, but it doesn’t change your identity.”
Today, at 23, Brooke feels great and is happy to be alive. She is no longer in
treatment, although she gets checked every three months.
“Going through this made me realize how much I love dance and that I want
to keep it part of my life. I love teaching,” she said.
Brooke is an Ambassador for Dancers Against Cancer and is helping organize the
Daddy Daughter Dance benefit in December.
By raising $1,000 Dance Du Coeur can be designated a Hope Studio in support of Dancers Against Cancer.
Daddy Daughter Dance Details!
Children age 6 and up may bring their Daddy Date to the studio on December 7 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. for an evening of dance (led by professional ballroom dancers), fun games, and food (including a delicious candy bar!). Professional photographer with photo set will be there too! Formal attire please! We are limiting this event to 50 couples/groups. Cost is $80 a couple and $20 for a sibling. Email us at danceDuCoeurFundraiser@gmail.com with number of tickets and payment method (check, cash, cc, or draft account).