WHAT'S BAILACURA?
BailaCura is a Non-Profit Organization 501(c)(3). EIN 82-1151105. Founded by Matthew Bergens, who in the past years has used the power and passion of dance to overcome the physical and emotional obstacles presented during his own cancer treatment journey. He has joined forces with the local dance community on a mission to build a bridge between the healing power and love found in dance and cancer patients in need.
Our mission is to use the power and passion of dance to raise funds and support for cancer research and patient care.
The vision of Bailacura is to use the power & passion of dance to raise money & support for cancer research & patient care. The proceeds from our events will be donated to the cancer centers for cancer research and treatment.
OUR HISTORY
Bailacura is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded by Matthew Bergens in 2016. Dance and the local dance community was an integral part of helping Matt through his personal dance journey.
Through Bailacura, Matt lives his life mission of helping other’s through their cancer journey and raising funds and support for cancer research.
BailaCura hosts annual fundraising dance festivals and charity galas that connect others with the cause and works with local nonprofits as one community on the same mission: that no children suffer from cancer.
FUNDRAISING GOALS
MATTHEW BERGENS
Matt graduated from NC State in 2013 and commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army. Matt completed his training at Fort Benning, GA and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC with the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. In late 2015, Matt was diagnosed with cancer. He went through multiple surgeries, radiation, and was later medically retired from the Army. Matt has returned to NCSU and is finishing a Master of Physiology. In his spare time, he is reading about oncology and studying immunology, and will soon be applying to medical schools. Matt is intensely passionate about helping future patients overcome their cancer. He uses his cancer story to emphasize and provide hope for his friends and their children who are currently battling cancer. Matt loves to dance and you can find him on the dance floor either dancing salsa or playing the congas to the salsa rhythm.
DARRYL C. ZELDIN
Darryl C. Zeldin, M.D., is a physician-scientist who lives in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Zeldin received his medical degree from Indiana University, completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Duke University Medical Center, and a Fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He is an internationally recognized physician – scientist who directs a large research program at the National Institute of Health (NIH), which involves both basic and clinical studies. He is also a faculty member at Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina. Dr. Zeldin is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine, and is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and American Association of Physicians. He has co-authored over 300 research articles and his work has been cited over 20,000 times. His research has also been featured on NPR, Good Morning America, USA Today, US News and World Report, PBS, and on other nationally recognized media venues. In his part time, he loves to dance (Latin and Ballroom)
JENNY GESKA
Jenny Geska, current owner of Aura Dance Studio and Triangle Dancers, and director for the Raleigh/Durham branch of the NC Brazilian Arts Project, has over 20 years of technical dance and ballroom training, and brings over 12 years of professional performance, teaching, and choreography experience to her dance studio. She is also one of two organizers and promoters for BailaCura, an annual non-profit congress and festival in Raleigh that donates all of it’s profits
to help fund children’s cancer research. events.
BAILACURA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vice-President
Artistic Director
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Secretary
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BE PART OF OUR VOLUNTEER'S TEAMS
We are always looking for outstanding people to join our team! If you are interested and have a special skill, please reach out to us.