Local kids fighting cancer get help from dance competition
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17-year-old Dulce Maria Martinez Jimenez is not letting cancer stop her dreams of becoming a nurse.
“If I exercise and I hurt myself I can easily break a bone. My body is very fragile. My broken bones may never heal because of my condition,” Jimenez said.
14-year-old Stephany Hernandez is following her dreams of becoming a fashion designer and fighting cancer at the same time.
“I want to get better. I don’t want to die. I want to keep on living, go to school with my friends,” Hernandez said.
The 4 th Annual Bailando Por Un Sueno dancing event raises money for kids like them.
Event organizers said the event focuses on teenagers fighting cancer this year.
“We’ve raised approximately thirty-three thousand to benefit the families of imperial county,” Organizer Marisela Bonillas said.
“It’s important because we’re helping our community not only to bring awareness of cancer, but to be able to help children that are going through very hard times right now fighting cancer,” Organizer Angie Marie Pena said.
Six local dance instructors pair with community members to dance for each of six kids and their families.
Dulce said the event means a lot to them.
“It’s great because it inspires us. Maybe I’m not the one dancing but they represent me and I’m going to be proud of what they’re doing for me,” Jimenez said.
The event Bailando Por Un Sueno is on October 20 th . People can help local kids fight cancer by buying their tickets at El Centro Chamber of Commerce.