Press Release

23-year-old Ballroom Dancer with Brain Malformation Defies Odds and Launches Foundation to Support Individuals with Rare Neurological Disorders

Chicago, IL, September 5, 2024 — Sabrina Blair Schoenberg, a national champion ballroom dancer and multiple Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) world titleholder, is proud to announce the launch of the Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals diagnosed with Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) and Gomez Lopez Hernandez Syndrome (GLHS), rare neurological disorders that aHect balance, coordination, vision, and many other functions.

Sabrina was born with a rare brain malformation that has left her without a part of her cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls balance, movement, vision and various sensory and cognitive functions. As her doctors explained when she was young, Sabrina has "no autopilot." Unlike most people who can perform basic functions like walking, talking, and eating with little conscious thought, Sabrina must focus all her energy to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. "Every action I take, whether it's walking down the street or tying my shoes, requires 100% of my focus," she explains. "It’s a daily struggle, but I refuse to let it define me."

Overcoming Challenges Through Dance and Dedication Sabrina’s journey has been marked by constant challenges, from undergoing numerous brain scans and medical treatments to navigating a world that often doesn’t see or understand her invisible disabilities. She experiences daily symptoms such as low vision, tics, involuntary head movements, diHiculties with social cues, learning disabilities, and balance issues. Yet, she has defied expectations and found solace and empowerment in the world of ballroom dance.

"Dance has been my saving grace," Sabrina says. "When the music hits, I lock in; it’s as if a diHerent part of my brain takes over. Dance has not only improved my balance, strength, and coordination, but it has also given me a sense of belonging and purpose." Sabrina’s dedication to dance has not only led her to win several national and FADS world titles, but it has also allowed her to break through the barriers set by her condition. Doctors have suggested that her success is partly due to the neuroplasticity fostered by dance.

Her dance teacher, Andre Santore, has played a crucial role in her development. "Andre trains me like a professional but talks to me like I’m his own child," she says. "He pushes me beyond my limits, reminding me that I’m on the same playing field as everyone else. If I let the mindset sink in that I’m not good enough, I won’t be. I have to focus on growing and getting better, and I have."

The Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation: A Lifeline for Others Inspired by her journey and the support she has received from her family and the Fred Astaire Dance community, Sabrina launched the Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation. The foundation's mission is to provide grants for medical therapies, dance classes, and activities to help children and adults with RES and GLHS thrive. "I want to do for others what my dance teachers have done for me," she explains. "There’s a whole community of people with learning diHerences who could benefit from ballroom dancing if they have people willing to teach them."

Sabrina's foundation has already made a diHerence in the life of a young girl named Lilo, who is now able to attend gymnastics classes thanks to a scholarship from the foundation.

"Her mother tells us how these classes have transformed Lilo's life," Sabrina shares.

"Stories like hers inspire me to continue my mission."

A Journey of Strength and Resilience Despite her accomplishments, Sabrina remains humble about her journey. "I'm too disabled to be normal and too normal to be disabled," she reflects. "People don’t always understand, and I often feel like I’m alone. But through the power of dance and the incredible support of my family, especially my mom who sacrificed so much for me, I’ve learned to keep pushing forward. I want to be a role model for others with silent disabilities, showing them that they are not alone and that they, too, can overcome."

Sabrina hopes her dedication, conviction, and strength can serve as an inspiration for others. "Every day is a struggle," she admits. "There are times I want to crumble, but I remind myself that other people's success is not my failure. If something stands in my way, I find a way to climb over it."

Get Involved and Support the Cause The Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation welcomes donations, partnerships, and media coverage to further its mission. Contributions can be made through platforms such as Venmo at @sabrinaresfoundation. By supporting the foundation, donors help others find their own "ballroom dance"—a place where they can belong, express themselves, and discover their true potential.

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact: Sabrina Schoenberg Email: Sabrinablair425@gmail.com www.sabrinares.com Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation Instagram: Sabrinablair425 About Sabrina Blair Schoenberg Sabrina Blair Schoenberg is a national champion ballroom dancer, dance teacher, actress, and advocate for rare neurological disorders. Her passion for dance and commitment to advocacy have led her to create the Sabrina Schoenberg RES Foundation, where she aims to make a meaningful diHerence in the lives of those facing similar challenges.