We are a student-led charity organization at Stephen F. Austin State University entitled Dancers Against Cancer (DAC), and we believe in our name and our purpose as being one part “Dancer” and two parts “Against Cancer.” We are a group of dancers and non-dancers who want to do everything possible to help cancer patients, raise awareness, and contribute to cancer research. Every semester, we choose a cancer organization and cancer patients to donate our funds. We are also focusing our efforts on Colon Cancer.
Every semester, DAC donates half our total to East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope in Lufkin, TX. ETCAH is a local foundation that gives back to the East Texas community. They help people affected by cancer with financial assistance such as utilities, rent, gas, medical expenses, etc. Ashley Berry and her foundation have been such an inspiration to Dancers Against Cancer. We love giving back to her and her cause every semester! Please consider ETCAH when donating to DAC!
Abram Vincent Carlberg was born on March 27, 2020. Right at the start of the Covid Pandemic. He was our rainbow baby. We had lost his big sister a few years before he was born. During his birth, only daddy was allowed to visit. They had strict restrictions and masks were required even during labor. The hospital was reminded me of an eery ghost town. It was like nothing I had experienced before. We had so many mixed emotions. When we saw Abram, all our troubles melted away. Since I required a C-Section, we had to stay in the hospital for 3 days. Just the three of us. It was blissful. Abram was an extremely happy baby and toddler. Very active, very healthy and very cute. When he turned two, we noticed his genitals were an abnormal size for his age. His doctor was concerned and sent us to a specialist. It was confirmed that Abram was going through precocious puberty. We didn't think much of it until we were told about the usual culprit. A cancerous tumor that releases puberty inducing hormones. We were told that it was extremely likely our baby had cancer. One of my biggest fears in life was becoming a reality. Abram went through a series of tests to find the culprit. Everything was clear except for a small spot in his brain. We had to wait for it to grow so it could be biopsied. It grew extremely slow which was a great sign. Whatever it was, we knew it wasn't aggressive. It finally did grow and the neurosurgeon was able to remove it in its entirety! His treatment plan has 4 rounds of chemo and 5 weeks of daily radiation to his brain. Since he's not able to remain still, he has to be sedated each time. Through it all, Abram has remained a very happy and vivacious little boy. Through the needles, the brain surgery, the scary machines, the vomit inducing treatments, the hair loss, etc., he next to never complains. He is indeed a warrior.