Dianna Rowley, left, and Vicki Hurst, organizers of Dancers for
Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Photo provided
The idea was born at a recent lunch Vicki Hurst and Dianna Rowley shared. Hurst, a licensed physical therapist, certified pilates instructor and two year cancer survivor and Rowley, owner of the Rhythm Room dance studio, chatted about a desire to do something positive to help women diagnosed with breast cancer. The pair put their heads together and came up a fundraiser fashion show and luncheon at Metro restaurant in Lafayette. In addition to the fashion show, there will be performances by the "Lafayette Ladies" hip hop and jazz dance troupes, lots of great music and giveaways.
"We felt it was very timely to specifically help in funding of free mammogram programs since many women are losing their jobs and/or health insurance because of the current economy, and we wanted to target programs that directly serve women in our community," said Hurst. "Early detection is vital to surviving cancer, and screening programs save lives. I personally had Stage III invasive cancer, and never had a lump, and there is no breast cancer on either side of my family! I have also been shocked with the number of women who unexpectedly are blindsided with this diagnosis - I think the statistics are 1 in 8 women, and it touches everyone's circle of friends and family."
The idea came together very quicky, "it was meant to be," said co-host and pal Rowley. "Vicki has been a great example - she and I have known each other for a long time." With obvious parallels to their friendship and the upcoming event, she continued, "Dance really brings people together, especially women helping women." The Dancers for Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon features Metro's fine cuisine followed by a fashion show with styles from the Rhythm Room Eco-Boutique and Atlas Menswear from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday May 7. Tickets are $75.and may be purchased through May 5 via www.dancers4cancer.eventbrite.com.
"We felt it was very timely to specifically help in funding of free mammogram programs since many women are losing their jobs and/or health insurance because of the current economy, and we wanted to target programs that directly serve women in our community," said Hurst. "Early detection is vital to surviving cancer, and screening programs save lives. I personally had Stage III invasive cancer, and never had a lump, and there is no breast cancer on either side of my family! I have also been shocked with the number of women who unexpectedly are blindsided with this diagnosis - I think the statistics are 1 in 8 women, and it touches everyone's circle of friends and family."
