2023 Dancing Stars of Atlanta

I am Tamaiko Chappell, and I am a mathematics teacher at Lanier High School in Gwinnett County. I absolutely love what I do, and making a difference in young lives has been one of the many joys of my life for the last 20 years. 

My dad was my superhero...and he was supposed to be here forever. So vibrant and full of life, he was the smartest, funniest, most couragious man I knew. He and my mom taught me so much about being resilient through life's challenges, and being joyful and grateful every single day. In 2010, my dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease at the very young age of 58. We could have never imagined the twists and turns we experienced during his 6 year battle with this terrible disease. Shortly after he passed away in 2016, my sweet maternal grandmother, my favorite girl, was diagnosed with dementia. Once again, we found ourselves in the midst of a raging storm, that came to an end just last year. 

When I dance, it sparks a joy in my heart that I cannot describe. I often think that is the type of joy that my dad and my grandmother carried in their hearts- a joy so deep, it shines everywhere you go. In celebration of their lives, I'm excited to share my joy with you, but most importantly, I'm committed and passionate about raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research and support.

Your donation in any amount from $1 to $100,000 (;-)) will help me exceed my fundraising goal, and puts us one step closer to changing the course of this disease. 

Thank you so much, and I'll see you on the dance floor!