Karen's Journey: Together We Can!

Hi, we are Connecticut Dance Conservatory and we are fundraising for Karen Nerkowski-Zgradden’s health and wellness journey. Karen has recently been diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. She and her husband Steve are physically and emotionally preparing for a very challenging road ahead as she begins aggressive treatment. Karen and Steve have recently started their family, they are the proud parents of a beautiful one year old baby boy. She is an amazingly devoted mother, wife, daughter, friend, educator and leader who has always put others before herself. Karen has been an educator for over 25 years. She is currently the co-owner/co-director of Connecticut Dance Conservatory (CDC) in Stratford, CT. She not only teaches and choreographs dance, she is also a certified elementary teacher who taught 1st grade in Westport Public Schools. In her roles as a dance educator, an elementary school teacher and as owner of CDC Karen has touched the lives of hundreds of children of all ages and their families. She has instilled confidence, courage, love and kindness in so many children's hearts and minds. She has literally aided in positively shaping a number of our children as toddlers through their adolescent years. As a dance family, we are beyond blessed to have Karen’s light in our lives and we are so thankful for the love, support and inspiration she gives to all of us.

This diagnosis has come on fast and furious for Karen and her family, they are trying to grab a hold of and process next steps for all of them. Karen has a long and all consuming journey ahead of her, with a lot of unknowns and with a lot of expenses. Even with insurance, medical bills and auxiliary costs can add up fast. We would like to ease the financial burden that accompanies this scary diagnosis as much as we possibly can. As her dance family, it is our turn to support and give back to Karen and her family and to guide them through this uphill battle. Please consider donating to support Karen and her family. Every little bit is appreciated and no amount is too small. It takes a village, and this village needs your help.

#cancersucks #karensjourney #peacelovecdc