LA Dancer in Critical Condition After Rehearsal Collapse
Los Angeles Dancer Gbari Gilliam Faces Critical Health Battle Following Cardiac Arrest
Gbari Gilliam, a well-known dancer from Los Angeles, is currently fighting for his life after experiencing cardiac arrest during a rehearsal last week. Medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center diagnosed him with a rare heart condition, and he may require a heart transplant.
Friends and family have rallied around Gilliam since he was admitted to the hospital. Community members have expressed their support, recognizing Gilliam’s significant contributions to Los Angeles’s vibrant dance scene.
“He’s a long-standing presence who uplifts others through his talent,” said Shantel Urina, Gilliam’s girlfriend and dance partner for six years. Urina highlighted Gilliam’s versatility in dance styles, including hip hop and house. She described him as someone who serves as an emotional anchor for many.
Gilliam’s mother, Tuseda Graggs-Borden, shared an emotional reflection on her son. “He is kind, sweet, [and] charming. His name is Gbari Denzel, and he has that star quality about him. I always imagined he would be that kind of light,” she said.
Tragedy struck last Friday when Graggs-Borden received a call informing her of her son’s collapse. “By the time I got the call, the paramedics were there working to revive him,” she recalled.
Choreographer Comfort Fedoke recounted the fortunate presence of a nearby nurse who intervened. “Luckily, someone who just so happened to be a nurse was there,” Fedoke said. Graggs-Borden expressed her belief that the nurse played a crucial role in saving Gilliam’s life.
Doctors have diagnosed him with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that thickens the heart walls and complicates blood circulation. Graggs-Borden noted that while Gilliam is currently stable, the medical team is considering a heart transplant as a potential course of action.
Facing significant medical expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched with support pouring in from the community. “Because he’s poured so much into other people, it’s truly beautiful to see so many pouring it back into him,” Urina remarked.
Fedoke emphasized the importance of community support for Gilliam, encouraging those who care about the arts to rally behind him. “Gbari is needed in our world, and he is still here. He is still fighting,” she urged.
Graggs-Borden remains optimistic about her son’s recovery. “God’s plan seems to be working out, and I just believe that he’s going to be back out there, dancing his heart out,” she stated.
As Gilliam’s family and friends keep vigil at his bedside, they also hope to express their gratitude to the nurse who provided life-saving assistance. Graggs-Borden expressed a desire to thank her personally, wishing to give her a hug to show her appreciation.
