Long Beach Memorial has announced it will hold its eighth annual Dancing for Our Stars Gala next January, benefiting its Integrative Cancer Medicine Program at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute.

The event will take place Saturday, January 23 at the Long Beach Arena’s Pacific Ballroom, during which six community members will be paired with professional dancers, or their significant other, to take part in a dance competition.

The winners will be based on the pre-event fundraising, event night fundraising and judges’ scores.

Participants include Dr. Nilesh Vora and his wife, Pinal Vora; Hilda Sanchez and Dave Rigby; Cindy and Randy Allen; and Debra Greco and Paul Velasco.

“I am thankful to the Memorial Medical Center Foundation and the hospital administration for making an investment into the future of cancer care,” said Vora, director of palliative care at Long Beach Memorial. “My wife and I are excited to be a part of the Dancing for Our Stars cast this year to raise funds to contribute to this great cause.”

The Integrative Cancer Medicine Program offers alternative therapies including meditation, yoga, massage, energy medicine and nutrition.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year.

This event is open to the public. For sponsorship information or tickets, call 562.933.1661 or visit MemorialCare.org/DancingForOurStars.

Photo courtesy of Long Beach Memorial.