Cancer survivor dances to help others
By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Alex Swader is a dancer. He’s also a cancer survivor. By teaming up those two things, the 9-year-old is working to improve the lives of others who are battling the same disease he overcame.
Alex was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma in January 2008.
After eight months of chemotherapy and four operations, he’s now in remission and has started a group called “Dancers Fighting Cancer.”
Alex’s mom, Michele, said he started this club because he realizes he is blessed to be in remission from the disease and wants to thank the hospital and support system that helped him.
The club is hosting its first event Dec. 12 from 7-11 p.m. at Gabrella Manor in Birmingham. Tickets for the event are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Music for all the ballroom dancers in Birmingham will be provided by JAMM Entertainment for general dancing all through the evening.
Alex and professional ballroom dancers will be performing, Miss Black Alabama will be in attendance and there will be an auction, hors d’oeuvres, and much more.
All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research at the Children’s Hospital.
To purchase tickets for this event, contact Gabrella Manor at 205-833-9754 or email gabrella@bellsouth.net.
Alex is a past winner of the Life Inspiration Award from the American Cancer Society. He’s participated in the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon and won a role in a Broadway show at an option audition in Birmingham. Michele Swader is a 1989 graduate of Hartselle High School.
