Zumba to the aid of a friend

By Rocky & Kristine Fields
No matter what you do in life, you’ll eventually find yourself in a place where you really “fit in”. Whether it’s singing karaoke, playing in a band, a certain sport, etc, you’ll have the feeling of being welcomed. That “Come on in and make yourself at home feeling” is indescribable really.
I am lucky enough to have several groups of friends where I feel this way within the spectrum of things I do. Yes, I sing karaoke. We also host karaoke, and this is one extremely large family of friends that has always made me feel special. Then there’s the kickboxing group. If I run into any of those folks anywhere at all, I’m gonna get hugs and updates, and I know they’ve got my back.
And then there’s my Zumba family! If you’ve never heard of Zumba, let me tell you just a little about it. It’s a dance-type exercise class, that is easy to follow, and very addictive to say the least! There are classes popping up all over WA, and I personally have been doing Zumba for over two years. My daughter Emily and I are actually licensed instructors. If you’re looking to get in shape and have a lot of fun, please check out zumba.com for a class in your area!
Just recently, a good Zumba buddy, Dwayne Johnson, was diagnosed with cancer. It started off with a sore throat, the tonsil had to go. But then they found cancer, and decided that, after several appointments, chemo would be the best mode of treatment. This type of cancer is not curable, but it is treatable, and with any luck, will be forced into remission.
After the first round of treatment, Dwayne is doing alright. He’s been forced to stop working however, and can’t continue doing Zumba until he’s feeling a lot better. It’s been a tough time, and every one of the zeeps (Zumba peeps) that have ever danced with Dwayne, got together in November and put on benefits to help him out. His mom, step-dad, and dad plus his sister also showed up!
Makesha Hays, my personal favorite instructor, coordinated the first of many benefits in Dwayne’s honor at the Silvana Viking Hall, and raised over $1,000.00 during one event! The money was handed directly over to Dwayne at the end of the event, and he was genuinely touched. I think even more though, all the hugs, and smiles, laughter and tears really let him know how much we all, as a family, really care for and take care of “our own”. Not only that, but the Zumba community also raises money for breast cancer, local community food drives, and lots of other great causes.
With the help of instructors Emily Corder, XYZ Studios, JoJo and Reina, Gail, Shannon O., Bonnie, and Makesha, this two-hour event brought in a whole lot of people, and a ton of love and support. Several other benefits are still scheduled for Dwayne. We wish him a quick remission and good health in the years to come! Thank you to all the instructors for being what “family” really should be!
I guess this holiday season, I am most grateful for my karaoke family, my Zumba family, the AKA family as well as my home family. It’s so amazing to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Wishing you all the best in 2012, and hoping that you find peace and happiness wherever your heart goes!