The Lake Washington High School drill team is taking two tragedies and turning them into hope – and helping to fulfill a dream.

The team’s drill coach, Lindsey Beck, underwent surgery for a spinal tumor three years ago. That experience came seven years after a cancer-survivor, studying dance therapy, died in New York. The two tragedies will intertwine Friday.

The Kang drill team will host a performance from nine dance teams across Washington State to raise money for Dréa’s Dream at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Lake Washington High School.

Dréa’s Dream is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with cancer or special needs through dance therapy.

“It’s an important contribution that our community can make for an important goal,” said Mary Stephenson, publicity chair.

She expects 150 to 200 people will attend.

Andréa (Dréa) Rizzo’s dream stems from a passion for dance during a rough time in her life: overcoming childhood cancer. She eventually began to work toward her goals when she started taking classes for a master’s degree in dance therapy at New York University. But then, Rizzo was killed by a drunk driver in 2002 at age 24.

Despite the sorrow of Rizzo’s unfulfilled goals, her mother created the Andréa Rizzo Foundation to achieve her daughter’s dream and help others. Now, the organization has helped children nationwide.

“It is an honor and a privilege to support the Andréa Rizzo Foundation,” said Beck. “We want to bring smiles to the faces of fragile children and added joy to their hearts. We are proud and excited to make Dréa’s Dream come true through this important fundraiser.”

But Beck, who attended Lake Washington High School, did not pick Dréa’s Dream at random.

Three years ago, when Beck was just 25, she was diagnosed with a hemangioma (tumor) in her spinal cord. After major neurosurgery and intense physical therapy, Beck was able to greet her drill team during the drill state championship for which they won. Beck won Coach of the Year as well.

Beck said her own experiences with undergoing physical therapy, her love of dance and her hemangioma all compelled her to find Dréa’s Dream.

“Because of what I had been through personally, I found this organization that combined both my passion for dance and therapy,” said Beck.

And connecting that passion to giving back through dance therapy is her goal.

“It is important for our girls to come together to give back to the community in a non-competitive way,” said Beck.

Although this is the Kang’s first year fundraising for Dréa’s Dream, Beck says it won’t be their last. She expects it will become an annual event and, as a result, hopes Dréa’s Dream dance therapy will branch to the Children’s Hospital.

“By raising $5000, we’ve already started the ball rolling,” said Beck.

The goal is to reach $10,000 with a combined effort of the other nine teams. However, according to the Kang’s FirstGiving website the Kang’s have already raised just over $6,500.

The Kangs will be dancing on the Lake Washington High School football field hosted by Emerald City Productions. Junior Kangs (5th through 8th grade) will have a chance to dance and learn the drill routines with current members. The event will include burgers by Buns and ice cream sandwiches from Sweet Wheels for an extra cost.

A minimum donation of $5 is required for admission.