Voices of

Resilience

These voices—a few of the many individuals who have received support from The Fund—highlight not only the struggles dance professionals face but also the strength and determination they embody.

Cesar G. Salinas, Grant Recipient

“I am incredibly honored to receive such a gift at this trying and uncertain time. The Chicago Dance Health Fund was more than supportive, as I could not fully pay for my medical bills due to a loss of income related to COVID-19 and not having medical insurance. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your care back into our community. Many of us dancers have had the hardest time figuring out where we were going to find the means to pay for our medical expenses, and the Chicago Dance Health Fund was there for us. I will forever be grateful for all you do for our dance community.”

Robert Garrett, Grant Recipient

"An enormous ’Thank You’ to Chicago Dance Health Fund for their financial assistance. No question, this has been an exhausting year for artists… definitely would like to extend my gratitude for their willingness to help me (an accompanist and composer for dance but not necessarily a dancer specifically)… it speaks volumes to their commitment to helping the dance community at-large."

Ethan Kirschbaum, Grant Recipient

"Chicago Dance Health Fund came to my aid at an extremely vulnerable time personally. I had just founded Chicago Movement Collective, at the same time my husband was unfortunately let go from his job due to COVID cutbacks. We had both been using his insurance for daily health needs as well as weekly mental health visits with a talk therapist. Suddenly, during one of our most emotionally traumatic experiences, my husband and I lost our safety net. With little to no questions, Chicago Dance Health Fund gave us the support we needed. Organizations like the Chicago Dance Health Fund, that lift up the Chicago dance community, inspired me to found Chicago Movement Collective as my way to say ‘thank you’ and also keep Chicago dancing."

Hereaclitus Here Vernon, Grant Recipient

“Thank you to Chicago Dance Health Fund for supporting me during this process with my physical and mental health issues. I have been overwhelmed with Post COVID Syndrome issues since my diagnosis last March with severe COVID. Grateful to have survived COVID my artforms have been affected and that is my livelihood. One of the most overwhelming issues to my body as a dancer is chronic fatigue and my depression which has affected me more than I would like. But the most important health concern taking top priority has been my teeth. Unable to afford dental work in the past, my teeth decayed and had to be extracted. It has been difficult to get this work done because as I lose more teeth, it affects my digestion, chewing and causes discomfort. The fund has allowed me to get some of this work done, alleviating this immense burden while I am unable to work because of this disability. I am extremely grateful to be supported by these emergency funds and honored to be a part of this community.”

Listen to the stories of three dancers who share their experiences with the Chicago Dance Health Fund. Olivia Serrano, who tore her ACL, describes the relief of accessing immediate physical therapy and rehabilitation without financial worry. Hanson Jeong, diagnosed with acute leukemia, found solace in the community support and financial assistance that allowed him to focus on recovery and stability. Oscar Villalobos III recounts how the fund provided crucial assistance during his health challenges, giving him access to much-needed therapy and prescriptions.

Stefan Goncalvez, a dancer with The Joffrey Ballet, recalls the challenging experience he faced in 2017 when he underwent an appendectomy. Overwhelmed by the high medical bills, he turned to the Chicago Dance Health Fund, which provided vital financial assistance that lifted the burden off his shoulders. The support allowed Stefan to focus on recovery and return to his passion for dance, and he remains grateful for the Fund’s unwavering help, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many dancers received assistance with basic living expenses.

In 2016, a spinal cord affliction confined Frank Chavez, a former dancer, to a wheelchair and a hospital bed. The Chicago Dance Health Fund provided a life-changing grant that lifted a tremendous burden. Frank emphasizes that this support is owed to dancers who've given so much to the Chicago dance community and encourages others to contribute generously to this transformative cause.

In 2012, Peter Mohawk had his first hip replacement, which failed five years later, requiring another surgery. Unable to perform or work, he applied for a grant from the Chicago Dance Health Fund and received the maximum amount, which enabled him to pay rent, maintain health insurance, and cover utility bills. Without this assistance, Peter fears he would have ended up on the street, but the fund's support made him feel safe, loved, and protected. He urges fellow dancers to seek help from this life-saving resource.

Brian Martinez, who moved to Chicago in 2019, had to undergo surgery after an ankle injury, leaving him unable to dance or work. He learned about the Chicago Dance Health Fund through colleagues, and the grant he received allowed him to take the necessary time off for recovery while being financially supported. Brian is grateful for the assistance and encourages others in the dance community to apply if they need support.