The weekend of September 27, I'll be wiggling my hips pretty much until I fall over. No, it's not a weird new weight-loss scheme.

This is my third year participating in the Atlanta Shimmy-a-Thon, a fund raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Belly dancers from the Atlanta area will display their talent Saturday night and compete for the longest shimmy Sunday afternoon in an effort to raise awareness of and support for this life-threatening genetic disorder. I'm asking for your support of the cause and of me as I attempt to beat my third-place finish of 2 hours and 58 minutes last year.

Cystic fibrosis affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. According to the CF Foundation's National Patient Registry, the median age of survival for a person with CF is 36 years.

All money collected goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. You can also attend the performance in Kennesaw Saturday, September 27. All proceeds from ticket sales also go directly to CFF. Check out www.shimmyathon.com for show details and other information about the event.

Belly dance holds a very special place in my life, and it is an honor to use my passion and talent to help others.I know I have generous and caring friends, and I thank you all for your support.