KCC’s Dare to Dance Journey – Stepping Up for Kidney Health
Since 2023, Dare to Dance has become a meaningful tradition for Kidney Care Center Tennessee, one that blends creativity, courage, and compassion in support of the Kidney Foundation of Chattanooga. Over three consecutive years, KCC team members stepped outside their professional roles and onto the dance floor, using dance movement as a powerful tool to advocate for kidney patients and the programs that support them.
What began as individual participation grew into a shared legacy. From 2023 through 2025, these three incredible individuals from Kidney Care Center TN have helped raise more than $91,000 collectively, supporting initiatives that address patient needs beyond clinical care. Their journeys reflect not only personal bravery but also a deep-rooted commitment to community outreach, education, and patient well-being.
Dr. Aditya Bhartia & Dani Farrell
In 2023, Dr. Aditya Bhartia, Nephrologist at Kidney Care Center, partnered with professional dancer Dani Farrell, owner of Raw Art Dance and Entertainment Corporation, to form Team Dr. Bhartia. Their performance honored the Medical Equipment Program, which helps kidney patients access essential items like walkers, bath benches, and wheelchair ramps, often unmet by insurance.
For Dr. Bhartia, the event was a chance to bring together two important parts of his life, his passion for dance and dedication to kidney health advocacy. Having volunteered with the Kidney Foundation since moving to Chattanooga in 2017, he welcomed the opportunity to raise awareness and support for patients in a creative, impactful way.
He shared that Dare to Dance was not just about performing but also about the powerful sense of community. “My KCC colleagues were incredibly supportive,” he recalled. “From encouraging me to get involved to cheering me on at the event, their support made the experience unforgettable.” He mentioned that support from KCC leadership has also played a key role in driving the fundraising success.
Through months of rehearsals and efforts, Dr. Bhartia and Dani raised nearly $37,000 for the program, transforming their passion into meaningful help for patients who face medical hardships beyond kidney disease.
Dr. Tatyana Joab & Ryan Roberts
For Dr. Tatyana Joab, Nephrologist at Kidney Care Center, Dare to Dance was a natural extension of her passion for outreach and kidney health advocacy. Partnering with professional dancer Ryan Roberts, she danced in honor of the Renal Disease Screening Program, which offers free community screenings throughout the year to detect early signs of kidney disease.
Dr. Joab has long volunteered with the Kidney Foundation at community health fairs, reviewing screening results and helping individuals better understand their kidney health. Dare to Dance offered a unique opportunity to combine that commitment with another lifelong passion, ie dance.
“Where there is music, there is joy,” she shared, noting that the event truly put the fun in fundraising.
Her journey was also deeply supported by her KCC family. From colleagues who encouraged her to participate, to office teams who adjusted schedules during months of rehearsals, the experience became a collective effort.
On the night of the event, KCC colleagues filled the seats, cheering her on and reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the organization. Dr. Joab’s dedication and skill earned her 3rd place in the competition. Together, Team Tatyana & Ryan raised over $25,000, expanding access to early detection and education for the Chattanooga community.
Amber Price & Nelson Rodriguez
In 2025, Amber Price, Practice Manager at Kidney Care Center, partnered with professional dancer Nelson Rodriguez of NelRod Studios to support the Emergency Medication Program through Dare to Dance.
Inspired by seeing KCC colleagues participate in previous years, Amber viewed the experience as a meaningful way to give back to kidney patients in the Chattanooga community. Known for her compassion, she shared,
“I try helping our patients whenever I can, even if it is as simple as giving them a smile if they are having a bad day.” As a mother, she also saw the event as an opportunity to model kindness and service for her son.
With no prior dance experience, stepping onto the stage was both exciting and challenging. Amber’s courage and commitment were recognized when she won the Dr. Jackson and Milli Yium Award, a testament to her impact both on and off the dance floor. She mentioned that knowing the collective efforts of all participants in 2025, raising over half a million dollars made the experience even more rewarding.
Balancing rehearsals with work and family life required careful planning, but the experience brought deep fulfillment. Together, Team Amber & Nelson raised nearly $29,000, directly helping patients access the medications they need when it matters most.
More Than a Dance
Over the last three years, Dare to Dance showcased the heart of Kidney Care Center. A team of professionals who go beyond their roles to advocate, educate, and uplift the communities they serve. Each participant brought a unique story, a distinct cause, and a shared belief that care extends far beyond the clinic walls.
Through courage, collaboration, and compassion, these three journeys have left a lasting impact, proving that when purpose leads, every step matters.
