Name: Pilar Gamboa
Age: 9
Dance Studio: El Paso Ballet Theater, TX
Why Pilar wants to be a voice for children fighting cancer:
I have seen the effects of this disease first hand. One of my best friends has been battening a very rare under-researched type of leukemia for 2 years. I know it is both physically and mentally debilitating on the warrior fighting the disease and the family/friends. My mom is also a 2 year triple- negative breast cancer survivor therefore, raising awareness for organizations that the support the cause are very close to my heart. I would like to use my Instagram platform to bring awareness to the dance community. I would love to raise awareness to this most important cause of childhood cancer. I know that childhood cancer research is underfunded and that only 4% of National Cancer Institute research goes to study pediatric cancer and that 1 of every 8 children diagnosed will not survive. This number is too high and I believe it would be lower if there was enough research in this area.
