Three-year-old Lauren Piper loves to dance. But she couldn`t seem to remember what type-jazz, tap or ballet-she likes best, until her big sister, Allison, 7, leaned over and whispered in her ear.
Suddenly, Lauren remembered.
”Tap,” pronounced the chubby, brown-haired girl, attired in a white leotard and tights. Her sister just nodded and smiled.
The girls were taking part in the fifth annual dance-a-thon at the Dance Centre in Lombard. They were among about 40 young dancers who gladly twirled, pirouetted, hopped and tapped, not only because they like to, but also for a good cause-the T.L.C. Camp for children with cancer.
Founded in 1983 in Lombard, the summer day camp provides activities and fun for kids ages 4 through 13 who are stricken with cancer.
This year, 100 kids with the illness and their siblings are expected to attend. Healthy siblings are invited, too, because ”they are the first ones to be left out when their brother or sister has cancer,” said Cindy Burke, co-director of the camp.
Penny Jungermann, who operates the Dance Centre, said she likes holding the dance event ”because it`s good to see children helping other children.” Michelle Stahelin, 12, and her cousin, Annette, 11, agreed. Together, they raised $273.
”We just went around our blocks and asked people to help. Mostly, they did,” Michelle said.
The dancers, who had hoped to raise $1,000, did even better than expected, earning more than $1,200.
A plaque on the wall of the studio features a dancer in a ballet costume stretching her arms. It may reflect the positive attitude the girls needed in order to surpass their goal.
It reads, ”Believe in yourself and all things are possible.”
