The BRAvo dance program for breast cancer survivors at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Mt. Clemens, MI, received a grant to help with classes.  

The BRAvo uses dance to provide patients with “a path toward healing after an extensive, life-changing diagnosis,” according to Pat Keigher, Regional Director of Cancer Services for the Karmanos Center at McLaren McComb Medical Center. Dance allows patients to tell their personal stories about cancer in a creative, nonverbal way.

The program, taught by a registered nurse who danced competitively for 20 years, is meant to help cancer patients physically, mentally and emotionally through both dance and music.

Each fall, BRAvo dance pairs dancers with one of their physicians to perform a choreographed routine in costumes and with props for more than 1,000 guests at Karmanos’ annual breast cancer awareness event.

Pat wrote in her grant application: “I was deeply touched by Emily’s story on her website. Thank you for sharing her inner beauty, talent, courage and passion for not only dance but, more importantly, for living her life to the fullest. She is an inspiration and a reminder to embrace life and the healing power of dance and music.”