As some of you may know, on April 16th Dalia was struck by a bicycle messenger hard enough to throw her into the air landing hard on her back in the street and striking her head on the pavement. Luckily there was no serious injury to her head from this incident, but she did suffer in a break in both the bones of her right forearm near the wrist and a broken fifth metatarsal in her left foot, which as a dancer is a very serious injury. There was a concern initially that she may need surgery on either her wrist or her foot, but the emergency room doctor who set the bones did a great job and so far doctors say she will not need surgery. Dalia seems to be healing quickly and has already had the cast removed from her foot, and is starting therapy. The wrist is taking a little longer to heal, but is improving daily. Her spirits are good, and she is maintaining a very positive outlook despite being a little stir crazy. It’s hard for someone like Dalia, who is so vibrant and active to stay still for so long, but she is trying to have a zen attitude about her situation and let her body heal.

Dalia has been basically immobile since the accident, and a steady stream of friends, and students have been taking turns spending time around the clock to help her with shopping, cooking, cleaning, and everything else that she needs in her everyday life. Of course this also means that Dalia has not been able to work and has had to cancel numerous events, classes and workshops that are her daily source of income.

At times like this, it is hard to ask for help. Dalia was hesitant about us organizing a fundraiser for her, but we all need some assistance sometimes in our life. Now is this time for Dalia.

Besides the basic daily expenses of rent, utilities and food, Dalia currently also has the added expenses of doctor co-pays, transportation to and from her numerous doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions (she cannot walk well enough to take the subway or other public transportation at the moment) as well as some costs for aids such as a knee scooter and a wheelchair to enable her to get around and acupuncture and chiropractic visits which are not covered by insurance.

Please consider donating whatever amount big or small that you feel you can. Dalia has a lot of support from the community already in the constant personal care of friends, but she could use a little extra support financially until she is back on her feet (literally)! This money would just help relieve some stress and financial pressure, so Dalia can just focus on getting better and returning to dance. Let’s help Dalia in this time of need, and help her return to her feisty young self, traveling, teaching, and performing and spreading her positive energy and love in the dance community.