I'm back for a fourth year of shimmying for the cause at the Atlanta Shimmy-a-Thon, a fund raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Belly dancers from the Atlanta area will display their talent and compete for the longest shimmy 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 shimmy til I drop!

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 at Southern Poly on September 12. 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.