FOUNDATION EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Competition dance couple John and Kathleen Roath-Algera will perform an Argentine Tango at Space Coast Cancer Center's Daffodil Gala on Sept. 26. The fund raising event for local cancer patients will be held at the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex.
Competition dance couple John and Kathleen Roath-Algera will perform an Argentine Tango at Space Coast Cancer Center's Daffodil Gala on Sept. 26. The fund raising event for local cancer patients will be held at the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex.
“Dancing is a wonderful way to stay healthy in your body, soul and spirit.” – Patricia Inscore Laakso
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Fund raising for local needy cancer patients will be the purpose, but dancing will be the focal point of the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s “Daffodil Gala,” which is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex.
Dr. Rich Levine with Linda Bradley, cancer survivor and community volunteer, who was selected as the first “Volunteer of the Year” by the Space Coast Medical Associates Foundation at the 2008 Daffodil Gala.
The Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation is the fundraising and charitable arm of Space Coast Cancer Center, which houses a comprehensive network of services so patients may concentrate on their road to recovery. “Hope,” “Health,” “Healing,” words that adorn the reception area, also form the philosophy behind the Center located in Titusville, Florida, with additional offices in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Rockledge.
Dr. Richard Levine, the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation chairman, and president of Space Coast Cancer Center, can’t help but smile when he discusses the foundation, and facilities, that represent the ideal in cancer care. He is quick to note that the strength of the impressive facility, and his foundation, are made possible only by the efforts of a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers.
Dr. Levine has been in Brevard County since 1983, and has a deep connection with the community. He still maintains regular contact with patients from his first year in practice. “They have become family,” he says.
“There’s no way you can do this by yourself,” said Dr. Levine. “I have great staff, management team, partners and volunteers. We all have the same mission of quality care and respect for the patient.”
‘Cutting a Rug’ For Cancer
Pat Laakso with her husband Jeremy Laakso.
Patricia Inscore Laakso has over 30 years experience as a professional ballroom dance instructor, competitor and choreographer – and is the architect of the upcoming Daffodil Gala’s dance card which includes a team of dancers who will perform a fabulous show after the Daffodil dinner, which will begin at 7 pm.
“You don’t have to be an expert dancer to come and enjoy yourself,” said Laakso. “I will be teaching everyone a short dance lesson, and we will also have a Salsa competition,” she said.
Laakso teaches all levels of International and American style dances, plus Salsa, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing and Country Two Step. She is a member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing of London, and for the past 20 years, has been co-owner of the Downtown Dance Studio in Titusville.
“Until six months ago I had always driven by the Space Coast Cancer Center on my way to work at the Downtown Dance Studio and admired the beautiful new facility,” she said. “Then, I have had two separate occasions to be involved with Dr. Levine and Space Coast Cancer Center.”
Laakso’s father, Bill McClure, who succumbed to cancer on April 15 of this year, was treated at Space Coast Cancer Center. “The doctors, nurses and staff at the Space Coast Cancer Center did everything they could to save my Dad’s life using their state of the art technology and equipment – and their loving care of him,” said Laakso.
“I got involved with the Daffodil Gala when one of my dance students, Dr. Bill Rylander, who is a friend of Dr. Levine, told him he should call me to help the foundation with the Gala,” said Laakso. “With the theme of ‘Dancing the Night Away,’ and my Dad’s recent fight with cancer, I am very happy help. Besides, dancing is a wonderful way to stay healthy in your body, soul and spirit!”
Downtown Dance Studio is located in downtown Titusville, and features five experienced instructors who teach all forms of partner dancing including ballroom, Latin, country, Salsa, swing and Argentine Tango.
“We have over 30 people coming to the Gala from the dance studio who don’t want to miss this exciting evening and, of course, help the Space Coast Cancer Center’s worthy cause,” said Laakso.
“I am proud to assist such a wonderful organization raise money to help people with cancer, who are fighting for their lives, and need the help that the Space Coast Cancer Foundation will lovingly provide them.”
For sponsorship and ticket information, or to make a donation, contact Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation Executive Director Debbie Bissland at 264–5504 or debbieb@SpaceCoastCancer.com.
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