Hi Friends,

I am writing on behalf of someone very dear to so many of us, Marinda Davis.

If you know Marinda, you know how much she has given to the world through her art, her teaching, and her extraordinary heart. She has inspired generations of dancers across the globe and poured into the lives of her students, colleagues, mentees, and friends often while quietly fighting battles most of us could not imagine.

Marinda lives with multiple chronic illnesses, including Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS), Lupus, Mastocytosis, Hashimoto’s, Sjögren’s, POTS, and Cushing’s. Each of these conditions brings its own challenges, but VEDS in particular makes every surgery extremely high risk. Because of the fragility of her blood vessels and connective tissue, complications can be life-threatening.

This month, Marinda underwent a major unexpected surgery. It was far more complicated than planned, and it required the expertise of one of the only surgeons in the country capable of safely operating on a patient with VEDS. This specialized surgeon does not take insurance, which meant the entire procedure ; already astronomical in cost had to be paid out of pocket.

On top of that, Marinda faces another major surgery with the same surgeon in January. The financial strain is overwhelming, and no one should have to shoulder this kind of burden while fighting simply to live and recover.

Marinda has spent her life shaping others through her choreography, mentorship, and the way she shows up for her community. Now, she needs us to show up for her.

We are asking for your help to lift some of the weight off her shoulders so she can focus on what matters most ; healing. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a direct impact on surgery cost and her care post surgery. And if you can’t give financially, sharing this campaign and holding her in your prayers means just as much.

Marinda has not only loved us more deeply than we could ever imagine, but has carried so many of us. It’s now our turn to carry her.

Please find it in your heart to donate to help relieve some of the burden on our amazing mentor, teacher and friend. We love Marinda beyond words and can’t imagine what she goes through daily without complaint.

Anything you can do to help is appreciated.

With love and gratitude,

marinspired