Dancin' Divas raises more than $15,000 for Norton Children's Hospital

Dancin' Divas raised $15,399 to benefit Norton Children's Hospital during its "Stories in Motion" fundraiser Saturday, putting the group's total support at more than $86,000 since it began raising money for the hospital seven years ago. 

The funds raised during Saturday's event will support pediatric neuroscience research and treatment at Norton Children's Hospital, which serves thousands of patients in Western Kentucky.  

"We are thrilled to donate more than $15,000 to Norton Children's Hospital this year," Dancin' Divas Founder Kelly Davis said. "This year marks another successful fundraising event made possible by our dedicated team of sponsors, donors, organizers and, of course, dancers." 

Attendees enjoyed food, music, live performances and a silent auction. The theme was centered on "Stories in Motion" as often dance instructors teach to a story and all dances have a story to tell.  

This year's honoree, 5-year-old Jason Bell, had his own story to tell. Jason, who lives in Paducah, was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe condition that leads to seizures. The disease begins in early childhood, usually between ages 3 and 5. While there is no cure for LGS, researchers are working to find ways to manage the condition. 

"Jason is a courageous young man, and his progress is such an inspiration," said Dana Matukas, Norton Children's Hospital's Western Kentucky Region Communications Project Manager. "The continued support from Dancin' Divas bolsters our mission and ensures kids like Jason can get the care they need." 

Dancin' Divas has raised $86,524 for Norton Children's Hospital since it began seven years ago. The fundraiser began after former dance troupe member Desiree Fisher's daughter, Jade Cain, was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder in 2012 at the age of 11. Following surgery, Jade received an experimental treatment at Norton Children's Hospital to help eliminate radiation necrosis, where brain tissue around the lesion becomes injured and dies causing severe headaches, vomiting, cognitive problems and neural dysfunction. Thanks to Jade's outcome, Norton Children's Neuroscience Institute launched a clinical trial to aid other children facing the same diagnosis.   

Next year's Dancin' Divas fundraiser is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2023. 

"Stories in Motion" was made possible by the hard work and dedication of volunteers and support from sponsors Darling Ingredients, Kiwanis Club of Paducah, Soirées Events & Catering, Walker Hall Events Center, Atmos Energy, Bass Maintenance, Camp-A-Rama, Desiree Fisher and Jade Cain, Lee's Heating & Air Inc., Taco Bell Missouri Fiesta Inc., Terri and Tim Gentry, West Towne Pharmacy and Compounding Center, Williams & Lentz Certified Public Accountants, All Around Home Improvement, Mandy Hibner of Keller Williams Experience Realty, Baird, Cox's Lawn Care, D's Garage Door Service, Dr. Nathan Bowles, Four Rivers Internal Medicine, Justin Puckett of Kentucky Farm Bureau of Ballard County, LaCenter BP, Sutton Drugs, Unlimited Graphics, and West Kentucky Paralegals.