Dréa's Dream Blog - Dance,

 I am continually inspired by the stories of courage and compassion that young dancers, pediatric cancer patients, parents and dance therapists have shared.  They have given me hope and fulfilled Dréa’s Dream.

The definition of hope is to wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.

Recently, one of our dance therapists shared this beautiful story –

A three year old pediatric cancer patient loved to dance and she had participated in many sessions of Dréa's Dream.  Her cancer had spread to the bone and an amputation of her right foot was required. Having been the parent of a child with cancer, I can't imagine how devastating this was for her young mother and father to accept. When the dance therapist arrived for their first session after surgery, she entered the hospital room and the girl excitedly exclaimed, "The Dance Lady is Here." Her dad looked on smiling from ear to ear. This was her first smile in days. The dance therapist used a familiar theme to engage the child to venture out of bed with her tiny new walker. She said, "Let's dance like Angelina Ballerina." As the dance therapist moved her own leg, the little girl giggled and followed with hers – the one that had the amputation. They swayed to the music, swinging their legs back and forth. The dad watched in disbelief as his little girl laughed and happily "danced." This session ignited hope in both the child's heart and the parent's heart. Their wishes for a future filled with endless possibilities were being realized through dance.

Dancers have shared their own stories of how dance has helped them through struggles and given them hope to overcome hurtles.  Andréa's lifelong passion for dance helped her to overcome life's challenges and gain hope for a bigger and brighter future.

My own wish to see Andréa's dream live on has been fulfilled by those who share their compassion and commitment to our cause. Together, with hope in our hearts, we are making a difference in the lives of children through the power of dance.

Click here to read about one young dancer's personal battle with cancer and how dance gave her hope.

I invite you to share your own stories of how dance has impacted your life or the life of a child.

Once you choose hope, anything's possible.
~ Christopher Reeve