
As a vascular medicine doctor, I spend my days thinking about blood clots, damaged vessels, and how to help people heal from life-threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and rare clotting disorders. I know what it’s like to break hard news, and publish impactful research. I know what it's like to chase answers through labs, scans, and journals.
But here’s something you probably wouldn’t expect: I’m learning to dance.
Not at a wedding. Not while I bake a sourdough in my kitchen. On a stage.
Why? Because healing isn’t always linear. And sometimes, stepping far (...very far) outside your comfort zone—into rhythm, vulnerability, and motion—can open hearts in ways my lectures never will.
Thus, I’m dancing to raise awareness for the millions affected by thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. I’m dancing because movement is medicine too. Because in every step, there's a story of recovery, resilience, and hope, including mine.
So, this isn't just about me learning choreography. It’s about honoring and joining my patients—their courage, their setbacks, their triumphs. It’s about reminding all of us that cardiovascular health lives in our blood and vessels and in our joy, connection, and community. I’m a physician. A scientist. A father. A husband. And soon… a dancer inviting you to move hearts together.
The ELECTRICITY is back for the 18th Anniversary of Dancing With The Giordano Stars!
A group of Chicago A-listers take the stage with a Giordano professional dancer for a shot at winning the coveted disco ball. The stakes are high with each couple performing only one dance for one chance to impress our guest judges. There are also special awards for most money raised and audience favorite. Support your favorite Star and stay to dance the night away!
Dancing With The Giordano Stars fundraising supports GDC's transformative initiatives. Through our Youth Arts Education Fund, we illuminate the path for the next generation with innovative programs such as the CPS Jazz Dance/Science & Health, GDC's Free Ticket Program, dynamic dance workshops, enriching mentorship partnerships, immersive school residencies, and the esteemed NGCP® certification.
Get your tickets for Dancing With The Giordano Stars here!
Giordano Dance Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 36-3259804). Every donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by state and federal law.
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Scott Glosner | 10/10/2025 | $100.00 | Congrats-great cause to help others w dance | Cindy Polychroniadis | 10/09/2025 | $154.98 | Keep spreading positive things around. God bless you | Kambiz Zorriasateyn | 10/09/2025 | $103.44 | Nisa Lalani | 10/08/2025 | $50.00 | Rooting for you!! Good Luck | Anonymous Friend | 10/08/2025 | $515.77 | Lidia Pineda | 10/08/2025 | $300.00 | Doctor y Compadre, es un honor tenerlo en mi familia, ahí estaremos para apoyarlo!!! Abrazos Fraternales. | Erick & Mariana Toxqui-Saldana | 10/05/2025 | $200.00 | You’re not only a great doctor who helps people using steps guided by science; but also a great human being following steps guided by the heart. We are so proud to call you: amigo! | Anastasia Rachmaciej | 10/04/2025 | $25.00 | Dr. Tafur, thank you for all you do for your patients! Thank you for being an expert in your field, your compassion and always listening to your patients. You truly make a difference! Enjoy every moment on stage and congrats for raising so much money for research! | Lakshmi Halasyamani | 10/02/2025 | $521.14 | This looks like a fantastic event! So happy to support it. | Anonymous Friend | 10/02/2025 | $100.00 | Congratulations! Thank you for your dedication and the work you do to make the world we live in a better place. We are honored to know you! | Anonymous Friend | 09/20/2025 | $50.00 | Manisha Patel-Chander | 09/19/2025 | $103.44 | My friend, so proud to see you achieve this goal!!! | Ida Mooney | 09/19/2025 | $103.44 | Rooting for you Dr. T! You got this ! | Dave Rahija | 09/14/2025 | $100.00 | Alfonso, thank you for your leadership and passion in this important work. Enjoy!! | Elena Moore | 09/11/2025 | $206.53 | Congratulations on this amazing program!! | Liana Billings | 09/05/2025 | $20.00 | Alfonso, thank you for sharing your passion for medicine! So wonderful you are literally dancing outside your comfort zone for a wonderful cause! | Nancy Schindler | 09/04/2025 | $103.44 | You inspire me! | Anonymous Friend | 09/03/2025 | $250.00 | Julie Rubino | 09/03/2025 | $26.13 | Keep on dancing | David Ouyang | 09/03/2025 | $100.00 | Love this Alfonso! | Colleen O'Keefe | 08/29/2025 | $103.44 | Cheering for you in this new adventure and those inspired to push their mind, body and spirit! | Adeeb Sebai | 08/26/2025 | $500.00 | Wishing you a great performance, Dr. Tafur — the stage is yours! | Harriett Robinson | 08/22/2025 | $750.00 | You were already inspiring, now you’re inspiring in new ways. Congratulations! | Michael Yefsky | 08/22/2025 | $500.00 | Wendy Tafur | 08/21/2025 | $200.00 | niceeee | Rym El Khoury | 07/30/2025 | $206.53 | Tanja Vuong | 07/22/2025 | $100.00 | John Erwin | 07/22/2025 | $100.00 | Way to go, Dr T! | Marisa Durante | 07/22/2025 | $103.44 | You GOT this! | Diana O. | 07/21/2025 | $309.61 | Dancing with the stars 🌟 | VICENTE TAFUR BRIONES | 07/14/2025 | $1,000.00 | Guillermo Tafur | 07/14/2025 | $103.44 | Jim & Edie Mazurek | 07/07/2025 | $500.00 | Thank you for making my life better. Enjoy your new adventure! Greetings to Edwina. | Elsie Chang Cruz | 07/06/2025 | $515.77 | Apoyándote desde Ecuador- Paco y Elsie | Karen Hynes | 07/05/2025 | $154.98 | Tamar Sutherland | 07/05/2025 | $50.00 | Bill Whelan | 07/01/2025 | $258.07 | Maestro Alfonso ~ “Canta como si nadie te escuchara, vive como si estuvieras en el cielo en la tierra y… baila como si nadie te estuviera mirando.” —Mark Twain | Omar Esponda | 06/27/2025 | $309.61 | Dear Alfonso. GO BREAK A LEG! Continue to celebrate success in service of others as there is no better way than to live a life through purpose! | Rosemary Burger | 06/18/2025 | $100.00 | It is my pleasure to support one of the finest physicians I have ever known. I anticipate you will be the star of the event! | Linda Millbrandt | 06/18/2025 | $103.44 | Dr. Tafur you are the best! Thank you for all you do for others!! | Jorge Saucedo | 06/18/2025 | $103.44 | Keep fighting vascular disease | Anonymous Friend | 06/17/2025 | $20.00 | Martha Villavicencio | 06/17/2025 | $40.00 | Ayudando a salvar vidas! | Alfonso Tafur | 05/02/2025 | $1,550.00 |
| Total | $10,815.08 | ||
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