FRIENDS, family and a community of strangers will come together on Saturday, June 20 and dance for a Port Macquarie nurse facing the battle of her life.
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Robyn Austin will be watching on as supporters shake their booty and celebrate life, love and kindness. It will be the injection of community spirit she needs before heading back into the operating room for a bone marrow transplant.
The virtual Zumba fundraiser, kicking off at 11am via Zoom, is being hosted by instructor Krista Gilen.
Robyn and her sister Lisa were among Krista's first Zumba students in Port Macquarie and it is a friendship that has endured.
When Krista heard of Robyn's battle with cancer, she wanted to ensure that regardless of how hard it got, her friend knew she wasn't facing the battle alone.
"I am amazed by the sisterhood of her family and how they are all there for each other," Krista said.
"When I heard that Robyn was not well, I thought of my own dad who I lost to cancer and how it affects everyone.
"I'm working from home teaching Zumba online and I just felt distraught. In this environment every sad story gets you worse than it normally would, so in order to keep my mind off my own worries I said why can't we give Robyn a positive feeling and let her know she's not alone in her battle.
"I don't think I can financially add much to this but hopefully she will see that we are all with her.
"She will be watching her sisters joining in for her health and be on the front row - like everyone else as we're all dancing from home, like no-one's watching - and no doubt she will benefit from the positive energy coming from everyone involved."
READ ROBYN'S STORY: Port Macquarie nurse Robyn Austin faces the battle of her life
In December, 45-year-old Robyn suspected her health may have been compromised.
She went on a holiday to the Gold Coast but was chronically fatigued and discovered bruising on her body.
Tests returned a positive diagnosis for leukaemia. She has already faced, and beaten, a battle with breast cancer.
There is a gofundme fundraiser for Robyn which has already raised almost $16,000 to help support her ongoing treatment.
Participants in Saturday's Zumba class can make donations.
Krista is hoping to involve 100 people but has already garnered support from top Zumba instructors from around the country who have indicated they will jump online and support the cause.
The colour purple is the theme for the dance class.
Participants only need the Zoom app, internet and a small space to dance at home. Register by emailing oceanstudiossa@hotmail.com and Krista will forward the link to join in.
You can make a donation to Robyn's gofundme page by CLICKING HERE.
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