This fundraiser is for Moria Chappell, one of the dance goddesses in our lives who has just experienced a life-changing event. In September, Moria underwent emergency spinal fusion surgery for an advanced stage of spondylolisthesis—a condition where one vertebra slides out of the spinal column. Her case was especially severe, involving a crushed disc, bone-on-bone compression, and compressed nerves. This was not caused by dance, but rather by sudden and acute damage. The surgery itself was difficult, with significant loss of cerebral spinal fluid, which, while it does return, caused serious side effects during the first months of healing. Thanks to a skilled surgical team (and even a robot!), her bone was set back in place, but the procedure required cutting through all the muscles along either side of her spine, making recovery slow and challenging.

Her bellydance fusion work is a rare and magical thing that I know we would all love to see her continue to create and transmit to us for years to come! Through her travels she has learned multiple sacred dance styles that she teaches and performs in a beautiful and necessary way to allow these movements to continue to breathe life. One of her passion projects is to continue passing on a rare style of Indian Temple Dance—a tradition she has spent decades cultivating and sharing with the next generation. Teaching and preserving these art forms is deeply dear to her heart, and she is determined to work hard in her recovery so she can continue to pass forward this important legacy. Let’s help keep this artform going!

Treatment has been expensive, and the impact on Moria’s life has been profound. She has had to cancel all her international and domestic dance festivals—something she has never had to do before. With her ability to work put on extended hold, the financial strain is growing. Moria has always inspired and uplifted her students and audiences, and now she needs our help more than ever.

The funds raised will go directly toward covering Moria’s medical bills and supporting her living expenses while she heals. Please consider supporting Moria during this challenging time. Any contribution, big or small, will help her focus on recovery and ease the financial burden she is facing. Thank you for being part of her community and for showing your support when it matters most.