Photography by Carper Creative Photography
Each year, community leaders wear their dancing shoes for the coveted winning title that is earned at the Dancing with Our Stars Gala. All this fun and friendly competition benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation and supports the Arkansas chapter’s research and mission: to end and find a cure for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that disturbs cell growth in the nervous system, causing tumors to form on nerve tissue.
Children’s Tumor Foundation also provides support for children and families affected by NF. A portion of gala proceeds is donated for grants to send Arkansas teens to the Adult NF Clinic Pilot Program. We’re putting each star in the spotlight and introducing them on our blog. They will compete at the Sept. 9 gala, in addition to soliciting contributions + votes prior to the event.
Julie Gorman
Dancing with Brian Earles – with Shuffles & Arkansas Festival Ballet
Julie Gorman was raised as a small town dairy farm girl from Bee Branch, Arkansas with a passion for athletics and competition at young age. After graduating from Southside Bee Branch High School, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Central Arkansas. She taught high school science for 3 years before pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and practiced pharmacy for 15 years. She is married to her husband Tim and is now a proud home school mom of 2 rowdy boys, 8 and 5 years old. Her hobbies include cycling, hunting and watching her boys compete in sports.
“I have been involved with the Children’s Tumor Foundation for many years on the NF Endurance Team, but the true passion began when I partnered with my NF HERO, Zayden in 2017 for an IRONMAN 140.6. The minor hardships throughout the 15 months of training gave me new life perspectives as my HERO battled through the REAL hardships of life, receiving chemotherapy at 3 years old to reduce the tumor on his optic nerve. In 2019, I was Race Director for the “I Know A Fighter 5k” race to raise funds and awareness for NF and also received the Community Service Award at the Dancing With Our Stars Gala. Getting to know Zayden personally, helped me to feel connected to other HEROS and continues to drive the passion I have for this amazing foundation”.
“Dancing With Our Stars is my favorite event to attend. But this year is different for this country girl, as I am especially stoked about the opportunity to “boot scootin’ boogie” down some unfamiliar roads in some dancing shoes (or boots) and come alive for this mission. Please join me in sharing my excitement with your support of The Children’s Tumor Foundation!
In her own words…
Why did you chose to participate as a Star in the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Dancing with Our Stars event?
Because I am passionate about helping my hero Zayden and others find a cure for NF and when I’m passionate about something, I make it happen.
What is something that has surprised you in preparation for the big event?
The juggling of pre-event fundraising, dance lessons and practicing and the normal day to day activities of being a mom, homeschool mom and wife has been a challenging but rewarding journey.
What type of dance have you always wanted to learn?
Are there types of dance? Because just learning any dance in general would quite an accomplishment.
What is your dance claim to fame?
My claim to fame is definitely not on the dance floor or anywhere in the vicinity.
What is your biggest performance fear?
Being able to get off the floor gracefully.
Dancing with Our Stars 2021
Vote for Julie
