Norfolk, Neb. - I Dance For A Cure, a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting children battling cancer, has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $1 million. A local dance studio in Norfolk is joining the effort, aiming to make a significant contribution to this nationwide initiative.

The foundation was established by Lisa Millar after the loss of her husband to brain cancer, compounded by the heartbreaking experiences of several children in her neighborhood who also succumbed to cancer. Driven by the stark reality that only 4% of federal funding is allocated to childhood cancer research, Millar created iDance4aCURE to address this critical need.

Dance studios across the country, typically filled with laughter and the pursuit of fun, are uniting to raise funds for childhood cancer research. This collective effort culminates in a competition where dancers vie for the "Heart of Gold" award, recognizing the individual who demonstrates the most heart, soul, and passion in their performance. The recipient is then invited to become an Ambassador for Childhood Cancer Research. Nikki Prauner explained, "They look for the person with the most heart, soul, and passion in their performance. Then they ask that person to become an Ambassador for Childhood Cancer Research."

This year, that prestigious Ambassador title was awarded to Karley Prauner of Norfolk's own Bxtreme Dance studio. For the Prauner family, this role is deeply personal. They have a close family friend, Derek Johnson, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer at the age of 17. After battling the disease with radiation and surgery, it reoccurred in 2020 and again recently. "So he's our reason for why we do this," the Prauners shared.

With a nationwide fundraising total already at $750,000, Karley expressed her commitment as an ambassador: "I want to be able to help out with i dance for a cure because I want to be able to give every kid the same opportunity to dance and just be a kid and be excited."