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THE ROBBIE CANCER RELIEF FUND

Robbie’s love of dance was initially inspired by his mother who -- early on -- began teaching Robbie and his brother Thomas dances like the “mashed potato,” twists, and others from the same era.  He cherished these moments of his childhood, but never considered that it might lead to his becoming a professional dancer as an adult.  While at Mount Diablo High School Robbie took his first dance class and afterward, there was no turning back -- he knew from that moment on what he wanted to do, and where he wanted to be.  With the help of a great many individuals, he honed his skills and when he turned eighteen (18) he not only wanted to dance, but also to become a choreographer.  To improve his craft, he began choreographing dance routines for high school dance pom teams.  He then went on to teach at Dancers Elite.   From there he went on to work with a variety of studios including Melody’s Studio for Dance, Delta Ballet , Dance Connection , and Studio Underground.

In the midst of a hectic work schedule, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines contacted Robbie to ask him to become a choreographer on their ships.    As the years went by, he then moved on to become an instructor with D’Ann’s Academy of Dance in Concord, California.  It has been an invigorating experience and everyone there has been extremely supportive.  Robbie also took on yet another position with Spotlight Arts Dance Academy .  And, even though you might think Robbie has stretched himself a bit thin, until now he hasn’t missed a day of work;  that is how much he truly loves his work, the people he works with and his students.

Unfortunately, on Thursday, August 14, 2014 Robbie’s whole world was suddenly turned upside down.  After experiencing some considerable abdominal pain that wouldn’t subside over time, accompanied by a long time friend and advocate, Robbie went to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center ’s Emergency Room.  After hours of testing, x-rays and other tests, physicians informed Robbie that he had metastatic colorectal cancer and that it had spread to his liver.  Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from the place where it first started to another place in the body.  As a medical case manager with a considerably high survival rate for patients of whose cases he has overseen, Antonio Di Giovanni advocated for a second opinion.  Not long thereafter, physicians at the University of San Francisco Medical Center provided Robbie with new found optimism and hope.  However, in the midst of preparing for treatment, complications set in that left Robbie in a rather precarious position.  However, despite what has happened, Robbie is not about to give up.  On the morning of Monday, November 3, 2014 Robbie was admitted to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center after physicians discovered that he had an obstruction of his bowel.  Extremely dangerous if left untreated, Robbie underwent the surgery of installing a colostomy bag.  Although temporarily this set Robbie back emotionally and physically, Robbie has shown a great deal of courage and resilience as he confronts this latest obstacle;  he is determined to get on with his life and his work with the many incredible children and adults with whom he has been blessed to work.

At the same time, Robbie’s future includes undergoing chemotherapy (10/24/2014) which may be the straw that broke this camel’s back:  despite never having missed work before, Robbie will undoubtedly miss time from work now.  As a dance instructor, unfortunately financial benefits are not always available to cover an individual’s income when they are not able to work.  Consequently, if Robbie does not work, he can not meet the expenses of his daily living as well as various medical expenses.  Too, because of his treatments, it would be in his best interest if he moved closer to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center so that in times of emergency and/or while he is undergoing treatment, Robbie is living close to the medical center.  Currently he doesn't have the resources it would take to afford living in an apartment on his own near the medical center.

HOWEVER, with your help and assistance, we know that we can raise the financial aid we need to help Robbie still carry on his work, and get on with his life.  Your tax deductible donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated.  Too, as time permits, Robbie will do everything in his power to keep each and every individual updated as to his progress via FACEBOOK.

We thank you in advance for all your help and assistance.

Thank you.

Remember:  All donations are 100% tax deductible.

THIS EFFORT IS BEING SPONSORED BY:

D’Ann’s Academy of Dance
C.H.A.R.M.E.D., Incorporated
Antonio Di Giovanni

Organizer

Tony Di
Organizer
Childrens Health Advocacy Research Medical Education and Development
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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