It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of one of our dance family members. Linda Rissman was a kind soul and friend to all of us at the studio. Linda, along with her daughter Alicia, enrolled Ashley at our studio in 2019. In the 7 years she has been with us, we have watched her unwavering support of Ashley's dance journey grow into something truly beautiful. Linda was supportive of all our students. She never missed an event and was always there to cheer on and support other dancers in their own journeys. Linda would always lend a helping hand around the studio; if you needed something, she was the first to offer assistance. She cared deeply for the other students and would bring them Starbucks or bake cookies and make sure they felt her love. She would check in with the staff and make sure they didn't need anything; she was the first to volunteer for everything. Linda and Alicia spent their days in the studio supporting Ashley and our families in their often long, exhausting days of dance.
At our most recent event, Linda took a fall at her hotel. When she went to get up in the morning, she collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support; she had suffered a massive brain bleed. Despite doctors' efforts, the damage was severe, and she had zero brain function. On Sunday, March 22nd, the Rissmans, along with their doctors, made the difficult decision to take her off life support. Linda passed away shortly after.
Our dance families are grieving and feeling the incredible loss of our dear friend and grandmother to all. It is never easy finding ourselves on this side of life where tragic and unexpected things happen; however, we know our community comes together in ways that truly impact the students and families we are so lucky to have. We are asking, if you can, to help support the Rissmans as they navigate unexpected funeral costs and expenses they now face without Linda's income. Linda's desire for Ashley to continue to pursue her passions and her dance training were of the utmost importance to her. Your support will help make that possible. Please share and contribute in any way you can