Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Parks

Dance for the Cure is powered entirely by volunteers, and each issue of The Pink Press shines a light on one of the dedicated individuals who helps make our mission possible. This quarter, we're pleased to introduce long-time volunteer Kathy Parks, whose willingness to lend a hand wherever it's needed has made her a valued member of the DFC family.

Kathy's introduction to Dance for the Cure came through an unexpected source—an adult tap class at Kathleen Academy of Dance.

"I joined an adult tap class in February of 2020... right before everything shut down for Covid," Kathy recalls. "But once I attended that first class I was hooked!"

She stayed with the class through virtual lessons and outdoor summer sessions before finally returning to the studio in 2022. It was there that she first heard conversations about Dance for the Cure and became curious about the organization. That curiosity quickly turned into involvement.

"When I got Kathleen's email about the Pink Bow Project later that year, it sounded like a fun way to pitch in for a great cause, so I jumped in."

One opportunity led to another. Over the past several years, Kathy has volunteered with the Pink Bow Project, served as a Tie the Town Pink courier, worked as a Helper Bee at Basket Central, volunteered at Ribbons of Hope, and even created a spreadsheet to help organize Pink Bow Project data. What has made the biggest impression on her, however, has been the people.

"At every event, I'm always so impressed with the tremendous warmth, energy, and creativity of the amazing folks that make all of this happen," she says. "As someone with a long history of shyness and social anxiety, feeling immediately welcome in a new group is a rare thing indeed, so a heartfelt thanks to all the DFC ladies (and gentlemen) for making me feel so at home."

"Kathy represents exactly what Dance for the Cure is all about," says co-founder Joanne Liscovitz. "She quietly steps in wherever help is needed, brings her own talents to every project, and makes everyone around her smile. Volunteers like Kathy are truly the heart of our organization."

Among Kathy's favorite DFC memories are making pink bows in her mother-in-law's kitchen with her niece and neighbor, attending her first Ribbons of Hope dinner and unexpectedly reconnecting with a friend she had acted with 30 years earlier, and participating in the survivor recognition ceremony.

"Having the chance to honor the survivors at ROH and see the tangible impact of DFC's work" remains one of her most meaningful experiences.

In 2024, Kathy's connection to the mission became deeply personal when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I got a tiny window into the devastating impact that news can have," she says, "and a better understanding of how easing the financial burden at least can free up much-needed energy to focus on healing."

Today, Kathy's friend is cancer-free—a reminder of why Dance for the Cure's mission matters.

"Kathy reminds us that every volunteer makes a difference," says co-founder Kathleen Cirioli. "Whether she's making bows, delivering ribbons, organizing information, or helping at an event, her kindness and generosity strengthen everything we do."

Thank you, Kathy, for the many ways you help bring hope to local breast cancer patients and their families.

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