Did you ever wonder what would happen if you went on Dancing With the Stars? Me neither. Okay maybe a little. Well now I have a pretty good idea thanks to my baby sister who has been working her bo-hiney off in a local charity’s take-off on DWTS  called “Dancing Stars of Atlanta.”

The purpose is to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, and each contestant has been practicing several hours a week for the last three months (!) and sent 72 billion emails soliciting friends and family, raising close to $400,000 so far. Real time and money the last time I checked.

Participants, while stars in their own right of course, are not operas singers, actresses, or wide receivers; but a doctor, an architect, a former mayor’s wife, and a PR maven (who is actually an opera singer’s mother, come to think of it), among others. In other words (kind of) regular people with day jobs. Here is a 1-minute background video of Duvall and her partner talking and dancing.

If Sister’s experience is any indication, these contestants have blown a fortune on dance lessons, ibupofrin and ice packs. Apart from muscle soreness and sheer exhaustion–none of these stars are under 40, just sayin’–dancing is not without its dangers. Duvall once decked her partner with an errant elbow that sent him reeling. Another time she tore a hole in her stocking with her own heel which has to have hurt. It’s sexy, though.

They say you should “dance like nobody’s looking,” but they don’t have a choice here. We are all going to be looking this Saturday night at the big finale in Hotlanta. Cheesy costumes, heavy eyeliner, mirror ball and all. I can’t wait.

Until then let me share with you the heartfelt note from one of Duvall’s friends. I wasn’t going to say it because my sister is a married woman, but…

Dear Duvall,

It wasn’t the good cause, and it wasn’t all the sweat, aches, and pains that you’ve endured to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research; but when I saw you in the arms of those lithe young men, submitting to physical contact with them for hours on end, gazing into their handsome faces, and their dark, languid eyes, I just had to contribute. Oh, the sacrifices you’ve made. Where do I sign up?

Laurel

No but seriously. Here is a 1-minute 41-second video about Alzheimer’s. Yikes. Sixth leading cause of death. 5.4 million people have it. And just about every one of us has been or will be affected by it directly or indirectly; this is why it is so compelling. More on the Dancing Stars of Atlanta, and to vote, here.

I am so proud of my baby sutty.

Aren’t we grateful for all the folks who take time from their busy lives to make a difference in someone else’s! Thank you.