Drs. Emily and Chad Ermis of Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area are ready to hit the dance floor to support the hospital’s cancer center. The Dancing with our Hometown Stars event will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at Embers 1871 Restaurant and Event Space in Peshtigo, Wis. The Ermis’ are one of six community-leading, hometown couples who will compete in the dance competition raising money for local charities to help strengthen their communities.
Twirling their way into each other’s hearts more than 16 years ago, Drs. Emily and Chad started their relationship beating the odds.
“In the early years of our relationship, I was on a medical scholarship through the military,” Dr. Emily says. “After having our first child, Chad was completing a fellowship in Ohio, while I served as an OB-GYN physician in Illinois. Having to balance our residency, the kiddos and our long-distance relationship was quite a feat.”
“I flew back and forth every other weekend to see my family for an entire year,” Dr. Chad says. “I lived in a 400-square-foot, old apartment, and it was just a tough year for us. I was so grateful when I found employment closer to home, and I could be with them again. The tenacity we had to get through that year is the same energy we’re bringing into this dance competition benefiting our cancer patients.”
Both physicians joined Aurora Bay Area in 2017 and call it home. The Aurora Cancer Center is a natural choice as their selected charity to benefit from the proceeds from the dance event.
“We're dancing in memory of Chad's mother, Sandra, who passed away after a short battle with brain cancer in 2020,” Dr. Emily says. “The reason we chose the cancer center is we all know someone who has had or is currently battling cancer, and we feel it is important to support the people in our community and make sure they have the resources they need locally to live fully. Whether the funds are used for new patient equipment, hire new cancer navigators or enhance treatment rooms, we know it will be put to good use.”
Six weeks of weekly instruction to enhance their Fox Trot skills will lead up to the big event. The couple is busy nailing down their routine to draw the attention of generous viewers who will help their fundraising efforts, as well as impress their four daughters.
“All our girls take dance classes so they’re going to be a tough crowd to please,” Dr. Emily says. “Chad and I separately have both taken ballroom dancing classes in undergrad, but never like this. We’re a little out of our comfort zones, but we’re lit by the fire of helping our patients at the cancer center.”
Sherry Veriha, owner of Embers 1871 Restaurant and Event Space, partnered with Megan Bero, owner of Studio 170, to bring the Dancing with our Hometown Stars event to life – creating a heroic atmosphere of community support through philanthropy and good deeds.
“Our couples are raising money for several non-profits including a local youth athletic club, domestic violence shelters, food pantries, Boys & Girls Club and more,” Megan explains. “Connecting our initiative to support non-profits is a great opportunity to give back to our community while our couples find the rhythm, not only on the dance floor but also with each other as married couples. A little date night so to speak.”
Every dollar donated to each dancing couple equals one vote for them and there are two awards. The first is the People's Choice Award and recognizes the couple who fundraises the most money for their chosen charity. The second is the Mirror Ball Trophy, which goes to the couple selected by the panel of judges based on their dance technique, creativity and performance skills.
“One hundred percent of all proceeds raised by each couple will go directly to their selected charities,” Sherry says. “Regardless of how large or small, each gift will make it home to directly impact their communities. Winning the Mirror Ball Trophy is the cherry on top.”
Want to help our physicians take home the crown? See how to donate.