Friday, November 06, 2009
Dancers thrill spectators Dragon dance team raises money for cancer, Bratsch during halftime
Despite a blowout loss of 47-0 in Saturday’s football game against St. Cloud State, the day was not a complete failure for the Dragons as the football team partnered with the dance team to raise support for cancer awareness and more specifically, a recent MSUM graduate.
The Dragons Athletics department and dance team paired up to host a Halloween Thriller Dance to raise money for MSUM graduate Lisa Bratsch, a veteran member of the dance team.
Bratsch, who graduated from MSUM last spring with a degree in nursing, was recently diagnosed with a PNET brain tumor (Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor). She has had three surgeries to remove the tumor and will need continuing medical treatment to keep the illness from growing or returning.
The cancerous brain tumor was discovered in July when she began to feel “crummy.”
Bratsch is currently staying at Mayo Clinic, receiving daily care and treatment, and is able to go home on weekends.
The fundraiser began Saturday at 11 a.m., with a tailgating event before the football game followed by a half time dance performance of Michael Jackson’s hit “Thriller.” The dance was put on by the MSUM dance team and several students. Students were allowed to dance after participating in rehearsals prior to the performance.
After the football game, a community-wide trick-or-treat event to raise money took place in the residence halls.
In addition to Saturday’s event, the dance team and the Student Nursing Association has been selling teal bracelets for $2 that say “Love Immensely and Smile Always.“
All raised money will help pay for medical needs and support Bratsch’s full recovery.
Bratsch told Advocate reporter Nathan Matson that she is appreciative of all the help and support she has received from MSUM. To learn more about Lisa Bratsch’s story, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisabratsch.