Above/Northwestern Medicine physician Christopher George recently laced up his dancing shoes to raise money for breast cancer research. (Photo courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)
Naperville's Dr. Christopher George keeps busy, spending his days providing patient care and running Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers in the western and southern suburbs.
However, Leonidas C. Platanias, M.D., director of Northwestern University's Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, asked him to participate as a “corporate superstar” in a local Chicago dance competition called “Arthur Murray Presents.” When asked to consider it, he said: Dancing with Chicago's Celebrities to raise money for breast cancer research, he didn't miss a beat. He had never laced up his dancing shoes, but was up for the challenge and agreed to represent Northwestern Medicine.
The annual sold-out event is held at Navy Pier to raise money for local charities.
“I was definitely out of my comfort zone, that's for sure. If I was going to try this, I was going to give it my all,” said the Naperville resident, who moved here in 2002. Told.
Dr. George practiced at Arthur Murray Studio, 2811 Patriots Lane in Naperville, where the organization offered eight dance lessons with professional dance partner Diamond. However, Dr. George requested additional lessons after work so that he could be fully prepared for the performance.
“My dance instructor was very positive and encouraging,” Dr. George said. “She 'diluted' some of the routines for me, which helped a lot and I ended up feeling like I really knew each dance.”
After months of preparation, on March 8, 2024, he felt ready and performed the West Coast Swing and Cha Cha in front of more than 700 people, including local celebrities and athletes. This helped raise money for the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center. and other Chicago charities.
Ten corporate dance couples participated in the event. Although another Corporate Superstar contestant won the competition, Dr. George was grateful for the opportunity to represent Northwestern Medicine and was happy to try something new and different.
Dr. George hopes to see another Northwestern Medicine member compete next year and hopes to encourage others to try something new if the opportunity arises.
“It was an honor to be able to take part in raising money for breast cancer research and support services and learn new skills at the same time,” said the father of four. “It was a great experience and it felt good to try something new. I'm looking forward to next year's event, maybe it's time for Northwestern Medicine to win that trophy.”
Click here for more information on Dancing With Chicago Celebrities – The Stars, Celebrity Dance Off (amdwcc.org).
For more information about Northwestern Medicine, please visit www.nm.org.
