IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SPRING 2009
dancers in the news...
Marcus Boyle recently auditioned for and was accepted into the elite dance programs at Point Park College and University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Marcus also received a scholarship to each program. Congratulations!
Jalen Stewart has begun being featured in print and television work. He has starred in national commercials for Verizon, as well as starring on the television shows, PBS Kids Block and Sesame Street. He also was recently featured in Parents Magazine and has been signed by a national agency in New York. Congratulations!
Melanie Jerome (MelZ) recentlyauditioned for and was cast in the National Tour of "The Wizard of Oz". MelZ will debut in April 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Congratulations!
Brittany Brown recently completed her role in the National Tour of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in February 2009. Congratulations!
Miguel Ledesma has begun being featured in print and commercial work. He recently starred in a national commercial for Adidas and has been signed by a national agency. Congratulations!
Dominique McPherson has begun being featured in print and commercial work. She recently starred in a national commercial for Ford Motor Company and has been signed by a national agency in New York. Congratulations!
__________________________________________________
FALL 2008
Student: Rachael Foote
Age:12
Years at SDC: Seven
Please read below the amazing and inspiring story of Rachael. In addition, please consider joining SDC in supporting further research to help Rachael and others by making a donation to the Save A Limb Fund. The link for further information is below.
Rachael was diagnosed at the age of 5 with Legg-Calve Perthes disease, a condition which affects 1 in 5000 children between the ages of 3 to 15 for unknown reasons. It is similar to an adult condition called Avascular Necrosis, which normally results in a hip replacement due to a loss of blood supply to the ball of the hip.
Rachael would have needed a total hip replacement in her 20’s doctors estimated, but thanks to some new surgery techniques, physicians willing to go the extra mile, extensive physical therapy and a strong determination on her part, there is no reason to think her newly re-constructed hip won’t outlast her other one.
She is treated by Dr. Shawn Standard and Dr. Dror Paley at Rubin’s Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, a division of Sinai’s Orthopedic Department in Baltimore Maryland. They are internationally recognized as the most experienced center for limb lengthening and reconstruction in the world, and are committed to providing the most comprehensive and technologically advanced treatments for children.
They have started a non-profit organization with the goal of advancing patient care and support in the fight to save limbs from amputation and to preserve joints called The Save-A-Limb Fund. The Save-A-Limb Fund is hosting a Bike Ride Fundraiser and Carnival on September 28, 2008 at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, MD.
After missing three months of school and spending almost the entire summer in a wheelchair, Rachael will be participating in the 30 mile bike ride along with Floyd Landis to help raise money for their cause. Every dollar she raises will help change the life of someone struggling with a limb and joint deformity.
Rachael has continued to dance despite her condition, at times showing up with a walker and tap shoes, trying to figure out how to tap with only one foot. She has made her teachers cry while they watched her desire to dance as she truly missed being able to fully participate at SDC. Rachael is enrolled for more than 5 hours a week at SDC this upcoming year taking classes in jazz, lyrical, tap and hip-hop. Please join her in her effort to help change lives around the world as she rides towards the future!
To Visit her website to donate: www.active.com/donate/perthes
To learn more stories like hers, or to volunteer, please visit:
www.savealimbride.org
______________________________________________________________________________
If you know an SDC student who you believe should be put "In the Spotlight" - please email us at administrator@savagedance.net and tell us why.
