Anne Marie Loesch Has Breast Cancer

My name is Kara Rosengren and my best friend, Anne Marie Loesch, has breast cancer.  


I had the great fortune of meeting Anne Marie while living in Atlanta 15 years ago through a dance studio we both taught at.  We clicked instantly and ended up moving to Chicago together, where we not only built our dance careers but also the strongest of bonds as friends and confidants.  Through the highs and lows of our years together we've managed to stay true and honest with each other, always supportive and loving no matter what the world has thrown our way.  When I made the decision to stop dancing and find a new path for my life, her encouragement and love helped keep me moving forward.  Now, it's my turn to encourage and support her through what will surely be one of the most challenging phases of her life.  


After finding a lump three months ago and enduring long waits for a mammogram and biopsy, the news was less than we hoped for.  Cancer is terrible news for anyone, but especially those who have dedicated themselves to a career and lifestyle not conducive to a luxurious health care plan.  Anne Marie has been fortunate enough to secure funding through Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago for her treatment and will be fully covered for all healthcare costs.  She will undergo 5 months of chemotherapy in the hope that the cancer will shrink enough to perform a lumpectomy.  During this period she is planning to stay active and keep teaching her classes, but is aware that she might not always be able to.  It is my hope that I can offer her and her boyfriend Tim, also a freelance artist, a little piece of mind that she will not have to worry about her share of rent, utility, and grocery bills while she is undergoing treatment.  There are no sick or personal days at her disposal to offset her being unable to work.  I am hoping that this plea for support and understanding will resonate with everyone taking the time to read this.

WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT ANNE MARIE:
(Anne Marie with sisters Amy, Julie, Beth, Michelle, and mom Gay Ann)

*She comes from a big family and has six siblings, four sisters and two brothers.  She's the youngest of the bunch.

(Anne Marie and "Papa" Mike)

*Upon the family moving from Pennsylvania to Mint Hill, NC during Anne Marie's childhood, she developed  just a hint of a southern accent.  I don't know anyone who sounds more enchanting and I could listen to her talk for hours. 

*Everyone who crosses her path falls in love with her, instantly.  She is far and away the most enigmatic and genuine person I know, without even trying. I was fortunate enough that she fell in love with me back.


*Anne Marie has dedicated nearly her entire life to the art of dance.  Her professional career has spanned through multiple cities including Charlotte, Atlanta, and Chicago where she currently lives.   Her greatest passion has been sharing her love of dance with children and young adults throughout the nearly three decades she has spent as a dance educator.  Her dedication makes her one of the most beloved instructors among her students and colleagues. 


You may know me, or you may not.  If you are a family member, friend, or colleague of Anne Marie's then you know what an incredible person she is and I know you'll want to help in whatever small way you can.  If you are a family member, friend or colleague of mine, then please note the following:  This woman, whom I love and have considered as near and dear a sister as one could hope for, means the world to me.  I implore you to take any small or large feeling you may have for me and pour it in her direction.  She is much more deserving of your kindness than I could ever hope to be, and an outpouring of love and hope her way would mean so much. 

Any donation amount is appreciated and will be accepted with the utmost gratitude.  All who donate to Anne Marie's campaign will become part of a community and will receive weekly updates on her progress.  We will be leaving her campaign open during the duration of her treatment and there is not limit on how many donations can be made.  If you have not donated yet and we have surpassed our goal, please don't let that stop you.  Besides a small transaction fee that this website takes, every penny will go to Anne Marie's security and comfort.  

(Anne Marie and Tim)


Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for hopefully becoming a part of Anne Marie’s community of support.

Anne Marie's solo in Against the Grain Dance Project's 'Journey through a Phase' 2008 show.  Choreography by Kara Rosengren.  All Rights Reserved.