Update: 09/18/20

I'm about to get SBRT treatment again this coming Monday.

HELP ME KEEP FIGHTING

My name is Rodney, though most people know me as Rodchata.

For more than 35 years, I’ve dedicated much of my life to bringing people together through dance—teaching around the world, organizing events, mentoring students, and trying to help others whenever I could.

I’ve always been more comfortable helping others than asking for help myself.

But today, I need it.

Nearly a year ago, I was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). What began with two tumors has turned into an ongoing fight involving chemotherapy, repeated SBRT radiation treatments, constant scans, blood work, and follow-up care.

And now, unfortunately, my battle has become even more difficult.

MY KIDNEY FUNCTION HAS DECLINED TO STAGE 4

My latest medical results show that my already weakened kidney function has deteriorated significantly and is now considered Stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

This means dialysis may now become necessary.

My kidneys were already compromised, and according to what has been explained to me medically, the effects of my previous chemotherapy and the continuing demands of cancer treatment have placed additional stress on an already serious kidney condition.

It is incredibly difficult to accept.

The same treatments being used to help me fight cancer can also take a tremendous toll on the rest of my body.

So today, I’m no longer dealing only with liver cancer.

I am fighting cancer while also facing Stage 4 kidney disease and the possibility of dialysis.

And I still have to keep going.

MY CANCER FIGHT CONTINUES

When I was first diagnosed, doctors discovered two tumors in my liver. I underwent chemotherapy followed by SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), and those original tumors were successfully destroyed.

For a while, it felt like we had won.

But cancer returned.

Since then, my life has become a cycle:

Scan. Wait. Treat. Recover. Repeat.

Recently, new cancer markers were detected during routine monitoring. My medical team acted quickly and scheduled another round of SBRT to treat the new tumors before they had an opportunity to progress.

The treatment left me exhausted for several days and forced me to miss teaching while I recovered.

Thankfully, I got back on my feet.

That is what I continue trying to do.

Get back up.

SBRT has allowed me to continue teaching dance, working part-time, organizing events, and living as normal a life as my health allows.

But the fight is becoming more complicated.

My doctors have discussed the possibility that, depending on how my cancer and kidney disease progress, transplantation may eventually become part of the conversation as well.

For now, I am taking this one treatment, one test, and one day at a time.

THE FINANCIAL REALITY

Cancer was already expensive.

Now, with Stage 5 kidney disease added to the fight, the medical and financial burden continues to grow.

There are CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, biopsies, specialist appointments, kidney care, medications, insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays, transportation, and repeated cancer treatments.

Each SBRT session alone is approximately $19,000, before the many other expenses associated with my care.

Insurance helps, but it does not make the financial burden disappear.

And when treatment leaves me unable to teach or work normally, everyday expenses don't stop either.

That is why I am asking for your help.

Your donation helps me continue paying for the medical care and basic living expenses that allow me to keep fighting.

No amount is too small.

And if you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser can be just as meaningful. One share may reach someone who is able to help.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT REALLY GIVES ME

People sometimes ask me how I can still teach, work, organize events, smile, and even dance while all of this is happening.

I don't really have a complicated answer.

I just keep going.

I still teach whenever my body allows me.

I still work when I can.

I still organize events.

I still smile.

And yes, I still dance.

But behind every class, every event, and every smile is another appointment, another blood test, another scan, another treatment—and now the possibility of dialysis.

Your generosity helps with those expenses.

But more than anything, it gives me something incredibly precious:

Time.

Time to continue teaching.

Time to continue dancing.

Time to continue doing the work I love.

Time to create more memories with the people I love.

Time to keep fighting.

If you are able to donate, I am deeply grateful.

If you cannot, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community.

And your prayers, positive thoughts, messages, and encouragement matter more to me than you may realize.

To everyone who has already stood beside me throughout this journey:

Thank you.

Your kindness has carried me through some of the hardest days of my life.

I don't know what my next scan will show.

I don't know exactly what this new chapter with my kidneys will bring.

But I do know this:

I am still here.

I am still teaching.

I am still dancing.

And I am still fighting.

And as long as I can fight, I will.

With all my gratitude,

Rodney

HOW THIS JOURNEY BEGAN

In August 2025, I began feeling sick. What I initially thought was a stomach virus became persistent diarrhea, dark urine, fever, chills, and severe stomach pain. Eventually, the symptoms became impossible to ignore, and I went to the emergency room.

After multiple tests, I received the news no one wants to hear:

I had liver cancer.

Doctors discovered two tumors in my liver, and treatment began. I underwent chemotherapy followed by SBRT radiation.

The treatments were incredibly difficult. Chemotherapy brought extreme fatigue, severe gout attacks, and side effects that forced me to pause teaching, traveling, and many of the things that had defined my life.

What followed became one of the hardest periods of my life.

But it also showed me the extraordinary kindness of friends, students, family, fellow dancers, and even complete strangers.

Today, the journey continues.

Cancer is no longer the only battle I am fighting. I am now facing Stage 5 kidney disease as well.

So I continue the only way I know how:

One scan.

One treatment.

One day.

One victory at a time.

Thank you for helping me keep fighting.