4th Annual Dancing with the Doctors Fundraising Campaign

August 29, 2026 | 4th Annual Dancing with the Doctors
Benefiting the Maya Dronca Foundation

Dear Friends and Family,

I have spent much of my career standing in research labs, clinics, conference halls, and multiple airplanes. But on August 29, I'll be stepping into perhaps my most intimidating venue yet:

A dance floor.

That's right. I am participating in Dancing with the Doctors, a fundraising event supporting pediatric cancer research.

Now, if you've known me for any length of time, you're probably laughing already.

Medicine? Comfortable.

Public speaking? No problem.

Analyzing data? My happy place.

Dancing in front of a crowd? Let's just say this is well outside my area of expertise.

But here's the thing: children and families facing cancer don't get to choose their challenges. Every day, they face uncertainty, courageously navigate difficult treatments, and hold onto hope for better outcomes. Compared with what they endure, learning a few dance steps seems like a very small ask.

So I'm trading my lab coat for dancing shoes (temporarily!) and using this opportunity to help raise $10,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Your support will help fund the research, innovation, and discoveries that can improve—and ultimately save—the lives of children facing cancer.

Whether you contribute $25, $100, or simply help spread the word, every donation makes a difference.

And if you're looking for additional motivation, please know that every dollar raised increases the likelihood that my dance performance will be remembered for the cause rather than the choreography.

Thank you for supporting this mission, for believing in the power of research, and for helping bring hope to children and families who need it most.

With gratitude,

Edith Perez