Diana Machnak's Landmark Education project involve a dance benefit fundraiser for a Milford, Michigan resident whose cancer has returned. The Benefit, which is being held on March 22, will feature dance lessons, a silent auction and other activities for a minimum $15 donation. The Hometown Life Newspaper of suburban Detroit wrote a story about the event.

Cancer benefit to benefit longtime Milford woman

A fund-raiser is planned for Sunday, March 22, to help a long-time Milford resident and former business owner who is battling cancer.

Barb McGrew, who for years ran the Hibbard Tavern in downtown Milford, has had a recurrence of the thyroid cancer that she was diagnosed with 10 years ago. Though it had been in remission, it has since returned and is now affecting her lungs.

The Cha Cha for Cancer Treatment – a celebration of life – will be held at the Guardian Martial Arts in Garden City at 3 p.m. It will feature Salsa dance lessons, Mexican food, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.

McGrew, a practitioner of holistic methods, has chosen a completely chemo-free path to wellness. This treatment plan includes Iscador, a mistletoe derivative reportedly used by European medical professionals for more than 80 years. McGrew has no insurance and only social security for income, so the benefit will help pay for her treatments

McGrew became interested in holistic healing methods as a member of The Point of Vision Church, doing Spiritual Renewal Energy Healings at the Royal Oak Gilda's Club before her experience with cancer began.

Diana Machnak, a dance instructor at Guardian Martial Arts and a Landmark Education participant, has been supporting McGrew with Energy Therapy since the cancer returned. Kelly Perkins and husband Shelby have been guiding students into the art of Kenpo and physical fitness for decades, and are great believers in holistic healing.

McGrew, along with five other Gilda's Club of Royal Oak members, co-authored the book, "The Stories Behind the Red Door." Available for purchase at Gilda's Club in Royal Oak, it is a series of short writings about cancer experiences and the joy that can be found at all times. Proceeds from the book go to Gilda's Club, a free community for cancer patients and their support groups, with chapters worldwide.

McGrew is also finishing two other works which should be available in late spring. "Angels I Met Along the Way" tells about her journey through cancer, and "Adventures in the Hibbard Tavern" is Ollie the cat's version of life at the Milford bed and breakfast. Read more at lulu.com.

A $15 donation is suggested for Cha Cha for Cancer Treatment benefit. Donations of a greater amount will be greatly appreciated, as well.

Guardian Martial Arts is at 30942 Ford Road in Garden City, (734) 266-0565. Web site is guardianmartialarts.com.

For more information, call Diana Machnak at (734) 961-8560 or (734) 620-0105.