This Friday evening, the Charleston Gaillard Center will host the "Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars" Oxygen Ball. Five local celebrities will compete in a dance-off to raise funds for lung health. Local author Kat Varn, who was named Charleston Oxygen Ball Champion in 2019 and has served as event chair for the past two years, shared her insights on the importance of this event.
Varn explained that what makes the Oxygen Ball special is its joyous atmosphere. Despite many performers not having a dance background, they commit to eight weeks of rigorous training while balancing their personal lives and careers. They also contribute significantly to fundraising efforts. The event provides an opportunity to share information about the Lung Association's lifesaving mission and its work in Charleston.
The author also emphasized the significance of lung health from her personal experiences. She recounted how her father died of congestive heart failure, which causes fluid buildup in the lungs, and how her late mother-in-law battled pulmonary fibrosis. She also mentioned a dear friend who received a double lung transplant. Varn compared these experiences to scuba diving; without proper regulation of air supply, one can face life-threatening consequences.
Varn also discussed her relationship with dance, recounting how she loved dancing from a young age but faced discouragement from a ballet teacher at five years old. However, she later joined a belly dance class and eventually became part of the Palmetto Oasis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe.
She stressed that funds raised at the Oxygen Ball directly support community programs, education, and lifesaving research, with 90 cents of every dollar going directly towards these initiatives.
Dr. Marguerite Germain, last year's winner, encapsulated the spirit of the event by referring to South Carolina's state motto: "While I breathe, I hope." This sentiment is embodied by all participants and attendees at the Oxygen Ball.
The upcoming Oxygen Ball will feature a James Bond theme, "License to Breathe," aimed at rallying support for those struggling with lung health. Varn thanked all participants and donors for their contributions.
This year's Oxygen Ball celebrity dancer lineup can be supported through donations. The event will take place on Friday, May 17 at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Tickets can be purchased or donations made at CharlestonOxygenBall.org.
