In 1994 a beautiful, wide-eyed ninth grader walked into the Totino-Grace dance studio for the first time. She was an amazing dancer with an attitude to match. Her name was Angie Ley. Angie went on to dance both varsity jazz and kick for four years.  There was something special about Angie. She was positive, dedicated, funny, and so very strong. She had the most beautiful smile that lit up her whole face. You couldn’t help but smile back.

Angie went on to dance in college and eventually moved to Chicago where she married and had two beautiful children, Hannah and Max. Tragically, Angie was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 at the age of 29.  She was determined to do everything she could to fight this horrible disease. She wore Wonder Woman shirts to her chemo appointments, did everything possible to create beautiful memories for her young children, and kept her job as a teacher when she could have easily given up.

Even though she was suffering, her words were pure positivity. Though she was scared, she stayed strong for her family and friends even as the situation worsened. The final post on her “Fight, Angie Fight” Facebook page was filled with gratitude, humor, and smiley faces, even as she spoke of starting hospice care. Angie passed away on November 19th, 2013.

The Angie Ley 5K was established to raise money for cancer research and support her children.   The Angie Ley 5K has also raised enough funds for a donation to be made to MADT to establish the Angie Ley Legacy Scholarship.  Proceeds from the annual event will continue to fund the scholarship.

Eligibility: Candidates must be a Minnesota Dance Team member and the team’s head coach must be a member of MADT.  Candidates must have received or are receiving medical or professional care and have a financial commitment for their care or services. Candidates for this scholarship have experienced or are experiencing a personal challenge or adversity and are receiving treatment whether, medical or professional care.