Community Steps Up For Dance Instructor Battling Cancer

WEST HAVEN, CT — The community is rallying around a longtime West Haven dance instructor who is battling cancer. Diane Esposito, who has been a director at the Top Hat Dance Academy for more than 30 years, is known for participating in fundraising efforts in the city and now her “Top Hat Tribe” is stepping up for her.

A GoFundMe account, “Let’s help Miss Diane,” was launched last month and has raised more than $3,300 of a $5,000 goal. Esposito was diagnosed with cancer about one year ago and has been receiving treatments since that time, according to a post on the GoFundMe page.

“Despite that serious diagnosis she has continued to work with our children here at Top Hat Dance Academy and given back to the community,” reads the post from Diane’s Top Hat Tribe. “As one of the directors of Top Hat she has participated in fundraising efforts just recently for the West Haven the Way It Is Clothing Drive and also the West Haven Animal Shelter. Even when she is not feeling the best she is there at the dancing school for our children. She is well loved by her Top Hat Tribe as many of us refer to ourselves.

“As time has passed, not only have her treatments become more difficult to manage with the side effects that come with them but also her medical bills have begun to build up. Many of us who love her feel helpless and want to do anything we can to help her.”

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

Image via GoFundMe