Support Reid’s Cancer Recovery Journey
Reid has spent his life moving with grace — onstage, in studios, and through every community he’s touched. But in March of 2024, everything changed. A routine medical visit turned into a devastating diagnosis: colon cancer, and a tumor so large that the doctor pulled a Roy Scheider from Jaws, and instead of telling him he needs a bigger boat, he told him this tumor required a specialist with advanced surgical skills. So Reid went to the Mayo Clinic.
Complications followed. An infection set in. What was supposed to be a couple of months of recuperation became a two year battle of repeated hospitalizations, setbacks, and attempts to get healthy enough for the next stage of treatment. In February, Reid finally reached the point where doctors could reattach his intestines — a milestone he fought hard to reach. Now he’s focused on healing, regaining strength, and rebuilding his life. But he can’t do it alone.
The outstanding bills at the Mayo Clinic are in the six figures. The Orlando hospital that did the most recent surgery costs run in the tens of thousands. Insurance covers some of it, but leaves him with huge amount of debt -- without the health and stamina to resume working. He is hoping to be back in action in six months, but he needs support to get himself into a position where he can support himself.
Some of you may know Reid, others may not. Reid is first and foremost a dancer. In high school, he stumbled (well, I would have stumbled — in Reid’s case he no doubt glided) from the freshman football team to the Washington School of Ballet, where he got a scholarship to train. He spent the rest of high school splitting his time between academics at the high school and ballet training at WSB. He performed with them as well as with the Fairfax Community Theater and the Atrium Dance Company.
Reid graduated from Virginia Commonwealth - VCU, where he studied ballet and performed in myriad productions. From there (as a Tar Heel fan, it breaks my heart to say) he received a scholarship to the Duke University International Ballet Program.
He moved to NYC and performed with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, and then was part of the scandalous Love Spit Love exhibition.
After the notoriety of that piece, the modeling world came calling. Reid spent two years modeling throughout Europe.
Upon his return to New York, he became a founding member of Richard Move’s Martha@.
If you didn't get an opportunity to see Martha@, the spirit of it all was captured on film in the film Ghostlight. Here’s the trailer:
It was an exhilarating combination of camp and top level modern dance. Besides Martha (Richard) and Reid, the performances included dancers from the Martha Graham Dance Company and guest spots from such luminaries as Mark Morris, Baryshnikov, and Deborah Harry, to name just a few.
Whether they were playing a basement in the Meatpacking District or on Broadway at the City Center, it was a spectacular evening of precision, grace, and wit.
Like most dancers, Reid needed to supplement his income. He did so performing in Off Broadway shows including equity productions of Tony and Tina's Wedding and modeling.
Prior to the pandemic, Reid moved down to Melbourne, Florida to be closer to his mother.
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How You Can Help
Your contributions will go directly toward:
Medical Expenses and Care
Assisting with costs related to his ongoing treatment and recovery.
Essential Living Support
Helping Reid maintain stability as he focuses on his health and prepares to reenter the workforce.
Reid has spent years creating art and supporting his fellow artists. It’s now our turn to celebrate and support him. Any donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.
In addition to any financial help you can give, if you live in Florida and know of a school that might be looking for a fantastic dance teacher, please contact Reid! (He has the required state certification)