*NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED* I do not own the rights to the music. Used for inspirational and artistic purposes only.

FOCUS Dance Center held a Fundraiser Master Class in honor of Marlena and her daughter Paloma. Paloma has a variant of Shone's Syndrome with severe mitral valve stenosis, which is life threatening and very problematic from being born with underdeveloped lungs. Mitral valve stenosis at this age is incredibly rare; Paloma is one of possible 5 children in the world with this condition, having severe stenosis so young.

The Bartocci family was told last week that Paloma’s heart has maybe one month before she will experience full cardiac failure. In order to prevent this, Paloma is going to need her third open heart surgery, another valve repair. The success of the surgery is highly dependent on the skills of the surgeon, and there are only a couple of qualified surgeons in the country to perform this to give her the best probable outcome. Marlena is currently fighting to have Paloma treated at her first-choice hospital in Boston, a transport which insurance has denied coverage for. Regardless of where Paloma ends up though, time is of the essence, and she needs this surgery as soon as possible.

FOLLOW PALOMA'S JOURNEY:

Facebook: Prayers for Paloma
Instagram: @prayersforpaloma

Please support!
  / prayersforpa.  .
https://www.giveforward.com/fundraise...

Background music: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole & "Walking on Sunshine"- Katrina & The Waves

A big thanks to all the dancers who came out and shared their art, and owner Monie Adamson from Focus Dance Center for allowing this fundraiser to be held. A huge thanks to the Master Teachers Amanda Cathey, Marshea Kidd, and Gretchen Allred for donating their time and passion for dance to a beautiful baby girl.

Shot & edited by Jazley Faith & Amanda Cathey