Larisa's Story

Just two weeks after shooting finished on the Salsa program, Larisa discovered that she had breast cancer.

After an operation and many months of aggressive chemotherapy, she seemed to have successfully beaten the cancer. However, the treatment had left her with avascular necrosis of the hips - her hip joints had been worn away because of the high levels of drugs used to treat the cancer. She underwent operations to attempt to halt the deterioration of her hips, however, they were not entirely successful and as a result, she had to have one full hip replacement; a particularly cruel blow for someone who devoted so much of her time and energy to dancing and teaching others to dance.

After that operation she seemed to recover well and enjoyed a couple of cancer-free years. But the cancer returned. This time, tumors were found on her bones, in her lungs and in her liver.

She fought a magnificent fight, was dignified, charming and witty as ever, even when enduring agonizing therapy. She truly was inspirational.

She left us on September 16th 2006, just one day short of her 39th birthday.

DanceClass.com regularly makes donations in her memory to Breast Cancer Research charities. Perhaps you could take a moment to click on the link to the Breast Cancer site and click to help fund free mammograms.

*Do Larisa's Excellent SALSA Class for Beginners Class RIGHT NOW!*