Community Corner

Melissa Dohme Dances For Domestic Violence Victims

Melissa Dohme was told she would barely be able to walk again after surviving a brutal attack in January 2012. Now she plans to dance for charity Oct. 5.

Article written by Patch local editor Jared Leone.

Melissa Dohme has worked hard at recovery.

Dohme was stabbed more than 32 times in the face, head and neck by Robert L. Burton, her ex-boyfriend. He left her in a bloodied mess near the house she grew up in near Crest Lake Park in January 2012.

Dohme had a stroke from loss of blood. She was told she never would walk without a cane.

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Now she is going to be dancing for charity.

Dohme is one of 13 dancers in theTampa Bay's Dancing With the Stars, an event that raises money for charities, including Center Against Spouse Abuse, Frankie’s Friends, The Spring and SPCA Tampa Bay.

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"The community has helped me so much and this is my chance to give back," Dohme said.

Other dancers include Steve Chamberland, who runs the 50 Legs charity and Sgt. Denise Nestor, with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. 

Votes for the dancers are $10 and can be cast through Oct. 12. The dancers perform Oct. 5 at the Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa.

Dohme is dancing to help domestic violence victims who are supported through CASA and the Spring.

“I may be up there alone but I am dancing for all women,” Dohme said.

To vote: http://dancingforcharity.com/dancers/



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