Zumba For Lacey Girl with Cancer

They is opening its doors tomorrow so residents can Zumba for a good cause—in support of Ana Kopack, a fourth grader who is battling cancer.

“(Ana) is a great student and a friend to all,” Lanoka Harbor School Principal Rosemarie Bond said. “Despite all the health challenges she continues to face, Ana remains positive and focused on getting well and returning to school. She is an inspiration to us all.”

Ana Kopack was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of muscle cancer, in March 2011. She travels to St. Christopher’s hospital in Philadelphia often for treatments and is currently being homeschooled.

“She’s an amazing kid,” her father Robert Kopack said. “She has a great smile. She’s strong and has a great attitude. She just wants to get rid of cancer and get back to normal.”

Robert Kopack described his daughter’s diagnosis as “hard” but not just because Ana is ill. The trips back and forth to Philadelphia have taken its toll on the family.

“It’s hard on them too because we’re not around a lot more,” said Robert Kopack, who has three other children. “They’re doing the best they can. They’re kids. Our whole lives were turned upside down. Everything’s different. We’re doing what we have to do to keep (Ana) healthy and get her treatments.”

Doors at the Lanoka Harbor School will open at 12:30 p.m. Zumba begins at 1 p.m. and will be instructed by Heather Florence. Admission is $10 and free childcare will be provided.

“I encourage everyone who enjoys Zumba, or wants to try it for the first time, to come and take a class,” Bond said. “It will be a fun time!”

There will also be a bake sale. Simply Sweet Cupcakes of Egg Harbor City, NJ will provide baked goods.

The of Lacey and Shore Neurology of Toms River sponsored the event.