Support Tara Bellomy & her family

Today is December 12, 2024. It’s hard to believe we’re here again, but here we are, three years after Tara first shared her breast cancer diagnosis. For Tara...

Tara has now been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. It has spread to her lungs, and there are new tumors in her chest. The prognosis is not great. Right now, she’s visiting City of Hope in Chicago for more opinions and genetic testing that may help her find better treatment options.

I also want to share that, even when Tara was "doing well," she never had a break from this disease and its effects. After chemotherapy, she was left with debilitating neuropathy in her feet and legs. She still went to work but could barely wear shoes when she had to leave her desk. She underwent reconstructive surgery, but there were complications, infections, and more pain. And, of course, the astronomical medical bills. Nothing was easy.

An update on the girls, who continue to thrive despite everything that’s been thrown at them: Tara’s oldest daughter, Kim, just got married. Her middle daughter, Madison, is in college while also working at the dance studio, where she teaches the "littles" who adore her. The youngest, Emma, is a senior in high school and applying to colleges. She's still dancing! She started working at the studio this year as well. The studio remains a constant in their lives and is a second home to Madi and Emma.

My ask is this: If you can help Tara and her girls through this, please do. If you’re not in a position to give, please share this post. Besides the astronomical medical debt, Emma is still dancing and its a Nationals year- meaning a trip to Orlando, Then there's Christmas. Anything we can do to lighten the load would be a blessing for this family.

If you’ve been touched by cancer, or if you can see a bit of yourself or a mom you know in Tara, please help.

Thank you.

Original post, January 13th, 2022....

Our friend and fellow Dance Mom, Tara Bellomy, needs our help. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. When asked “what can we do to help?” her only concern was for her daughters.

 

She didn’t ask for help with medical bills, which are already coming in. No meal train, which we totally plan on doing anyway. Her only request was that we help keep her girls dancing. She knows dance is more than just a hobby for her girls. It is their safe space, their outlet. Its food for their souls. They need it now more than ever.

 

All 3 of her daughters, Kim (20), Madison (16) and Emma (14) danced since they were toddlers. Kim has since graduated but Madi and Emma are still very active. Tara herself has been an integral part of our dance team’s parent association since TDA opened its doors 6 years ago. Her girls are at Trademark Dance Academy 5 days a week. They are a core part of our studio’s competition team and work as teaching assistants in the little kids rec classes. Kelsay and her staff at Trademark Dance Academy have been 1000% supportive, and are doing everything they can to help as well. Our dance family still needs us though.

 

Please help us cover the costs of Madi and Emma’s costumes, comp fees and travel expenses. We know dance is a luxury, but when you love something- or when your child loves something, it becomes so much more than that.

 

If you know Tara, you know she puts her family before everything. To know that her only “ask” after her cancer diagnosis was for help for her kids, that tells you everything you need to know. Tara wants her kids to continue doing what they love, no matter what. We hope we can take this burden off her shoulders and maybe a little extra. Thank you for your support!

 

-TDA Parent Assn Board Members

(Jillian, Michelle, Ashley & Jade)