In May 2010, the beloved co-owner of DWDE, Denise Wall Womble, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Treatment and surgery begun almost immediately on the direction of doctors.

Anyone who has ever encountered this incredible fighting soul, knows she's going to beat this. But after multiple surgeries, and hospitalizations for numerous infections, the medical bills are extensive. Though insurance covers some, it doesn't cover it all. Due to the overwhelming effects of chemotherapy, Denise has been unable to supplement her income as she usually does through privates, and guest teaching around the country (though she somehow found the energy to attend a few this past summer). Denise is still teaching through all of this, while she still faces more sessions of chemo and several more surgeries.

Branches of Hope is an all volunteer, non-profit foundation, created by the dance parents of Denise Wall Dance Energy, to directly aid Denise during this tough time. We thank Denise (after much arm twisting if you know Denise!) for allowing us this space on her website, to lend her support. Denise takes care of everyone else and is an extremely proud person. She's the one you call when you need to talk, a shoulder to cry on, that "2nd mom" to talk too. We have finally been able to convince her, we now want to give back and be that shoulder for her.

The name "Branches of Hope?" Denise shared a story with a large group of company students, after a lackluster rehearsal. As Denise would explain it, everything she has taught them, especially the passion and emotion they should show while dancing, are "the leaves". As "the tree", Denise gave them all these leaves to use, and to draw that passion out of them, asked for the kids to give her those leaves back. Show her that emotion, that passion- "give the leaves back!" you'll hear her say.

Needless to say, the next rehearshal was incredible, and if you've ever seen one of her company performances through the years, passion is what you will see.

As the parents of the kids Denise has taught, and loved, and the ones she teaches and loves today, we are "the branches" connected to this incredible "tree", and are here to help. We want Denise to be able to concentrate on healing her body, mind and soul and to relieve the stress of the mounting medical bills.

We are here to ask for all your help in doing this. This fundraiser is from ALL of us, in the dance world. If you have ever been affected by anything Denise has produced......a class you took from her.....a shoulder she gave to cry on......an ear to listen too........or a performance you saw........a dancer she produced, we ask that you help us help Denise, with either a donation, or purchase (or both!) of some items we have had produced to help fundraise.

100% of all proceeds go directly to Denise.

It's time to give back some leaves! Please help us!

Below are some of the ways you can help:

Click below to make a cash donation with a credit card via Paypal

If you prefer to donate by check, please make your check payable to Branches of Hope and mail it to: Branches of Hope c/o Denise Wall's Dance Energy 4020 Bonney Road. Ste. 116 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

We worked with the fine folks over at Sugar and Bruno, and have created some unique items to also show your support for Denise! So after you've made a donation, check out the Branches of Hope store!

 

If you have any question or comments regarding Branches of Hope,
please contact us via email at branchesofhope@cox.net and not the studio.