UPDATE

We are offering photographic prints of this true Austin icon for your donation! You can pick them up at the Continental Club Fundraiser -Clara’s Go Go Love Fest- June 29th. Pick your photo here!

https://forms.gle/Ht9Tr2JH3zRvKiVu6

Clara was diagnosed with Essential Tremors and Dystonia, a neurological disorder that slowed her dancing to a halt and no longer allows her to work. She has undergone two Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgeries, but needs ongoing treatment from a neurologist, as well as visits from many specialist physicians, physical therapists, and medications not covered by disability. 

Until the disorder made it impossible to carry on, Clara was known for bartending the back bar at the Continental, only to pause, jump on stage, and go-go dance with the band when she heard a song that moved her. Her infectious energy and dancing became part of the show, something band members and customers loved about the Continental experience. While there is no cure for her condition, funds raised will help improve her quality of life through much-needed therapies and treatment.  Every $90 covers her out-of-pocket expenses for a session of physical therapy.

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If you have followed Clara's story, you know that her life has changed drastically from the Clara you see in this video. I am here reaching out to Clara's friends and family to ask for help to offset the cost of her upcoming brain surgeries.

You know her because your favorite band finds another gear when she jumps onstage to dance. You know her dazzling smile and infectious energy. But our own icon is now cautious about tripping and falling, and the dancing has slowed to a halt. The tremors are notable and have caused multiple debilitating issues in her body (which have required separate recent surgeries.) Both her neurologist and cardiologist have told her she can no longer work full time. The diagnosis of Essential Tremors and Dystonia is serious, however it is not a death sentence. The DBS surgery she faces is cutting edge, and will require several procedures, but the hope is that it allows her to function more independently and return a semblance of her former life.

As Clara and her family start to focus on preparing for her upcoming brain surgeries, this fundraiser is intended to prevent them from becoming one of the one in five Americans who must make tough choices about their healthcare due to their existing medical debt and the prohibitive cost of healthcare. Seeing Clara dance at the Continental Club is still one of the great joys of living in Austin. In these scary times, we need nuestra hermana back more than ever, dancing on the stage and into our hearts.