A local Zumba instructor is hosting a Zumbathon with a mission to support a cancer patient’s dream wedding.
Miranda Trejo is leading the effort to help Taylor Goettner, a Hatfield native and North Penn graduate, who has been battling cancer for the past decade.
“She’s been battling cancer since [she was] 16, and she is now about 10 years with it and they really can’t do anything,” said Trejo. “I believe Beth said they were giving her no more than six months to live.”
According to Beth Erickson, one of Goettner’s best friends, Goettner’s symptoms began as aches and pain that became worse over time.
“Diet and exercise was suggested, and she followed it, but was not feeling any better,” Erickson said. “[It got] to the point where her and I were out at a friend's house, and she had called her mom and told her the pains were stronger and excruciating, and to please pick her up.”
Goettner was taken to Grandview Hospital’s emergency room, where they found a malignant tumor on her ovary. Through all the ups and downs, Goettner has remained positive, and that has inspired everyone she comes in contact with.
“I'd say 90 percent of the time—if not more—you would have no idea that Taylor was even having a bad day, let alone something so horrific,” said Erickson. “She's always had a smile that would light up the room, and definitely knew how to make people laugh. Taylor has a very boisterous personality that everyone that meets her simply adores. This is all on the outside, but as anyone, I am sure she has her bad and dreadful days as well.”
Trejo has been teaching Zumba for about seven years and has wanted to use this talent to help and inspire others. She started following Taylor’s story when she met her boyfriend, John, and has been uplifted by her positivity through everything she is facing.
“She has inspired me in so many ways,” Trejo said. “It amazed me how strong she is through all of the ups and downs with this cancer she’s gone through.
The Zumbathon will take place on Oct. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at 665 Forman Road in Souderton. The cost of the event is $25 per person at the door, and all of the money raised will go to help fund Goettner’s wedding.
“She recently got engaged, so I wanted to do something to help raise money to give her the dream wedding she deserves,” said Trejo.
The event was supposed to be held at a later date, but was moved up due to Goettner’s condition. Because of the short notice, there will not be any raffles. There will only be Zumba. Goettner is aware of the event and plans to attend, depending on her health.
For those who want to help out but are unable to attend, donations are being accepted through Trejo’s Venmo account at “Miranda Jean.” You can also donate via their GoFundMe page by clicking here, and the organizers are also collecting flowers the day of the event to deliver to Goettner.
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