Breast Cancer Awareness Special
At the beginning of the month, we asked our staff to share any stories they may have of family or friends who have been affected by breast cancer. Now, as breast cancer awareness month comes to a close, we are honored to share the story of Connie Bates’ bravery. Connie was 2-years-old when she was introduced to dance. She grew up in a faith based dance studio in Houston, and trained there for 16 years before relocating to College Station where she began teaching and transitioning into a hip hop and contemporary dancer. Dancing was her passion. It introduced her to new elements of life and brought her all over the map, from Houston to Dallas and South Africa to Europe. Dancing was also her release from the reality that breast cancer was also in her path. Connie has had six active generations of breast cancer in her family. She had a cousin who was diagnosed in her 30s, and her grandmother and great-grandmother both died from the disease before the age of 40. At 18, most people a