Here at Rx Ballroom Dance, we've been reflecting on what a year it’s been so far - and all the good that’s been happening.
Just this year, generous donors have made it possible for students with neurodegenerative disease and movement disorders to ballroom dance their way to better balance, more strength, and increased joy.
I’d like you to tell you about David Rathgeber.
David is a proud and accomplished man. With a military background, he is full of discipline and hard work. He recently competed in the Work Kettlebell Competition and won three gold medals! David seems like he has it all… but what you don’t necessarily see is that David has Parkinson’s Disease.
Determined and strong, David has admitted that the last thing he ever wanted to do was ask for help. But Parkinson’s is kind to no one, and crippling anxiety would take over despite David’s hard work and exercise. Furthermore, David found himself closed off in relating to others.
But 6 months ago, David and his wife Nancy joined the Rx Ballroom Dance. The program allowed him to do something different- partner with his wife, work together, and be in the moment.
An amazing thing happened. David’s anxiety lessened the more they danced. He learned to be more open with his wife and she learned more about how to relate to him. They went on “day dates” after class and grabbed lunch. They took a cruise and danced a waltz in front of a Vienna castle. He learned that accepting support from others did not make him weak, it made him strong.
Movement is medicine for people with Parkinson’s. But ballroom dance is a rhythm that connects us to others-- and to ourselves.
An investment in Rx Ballroom Dance students is an investment in people with Parkinson’s like David. Thanks to our community of support, we continue to:
- Add additional class opportunities and locations
- Measure and aid student improvement in posture, balance and rotation
- Combat member isolation through the power of connection
Together we will keep the good going until all neurodegenerative patients have access to the healing power of ballroom dance.
This 2024, we are inviting you to help us reach our goal of $10,000 by Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, and $50,000 by December 31st. Every gift will help train additional teachers, expand our class locations and create a safe space to use ballroom dance as a therapy for people with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and movement disorders. Whether it's $5 or $500, your generosity makes a difference.
Thank you for your support!