Photography by Phillips Mitchell
Women’s Dresses Provided by Bella Rose
Assistant Amber Pike
Makeup by Natalie Rathbun
Dr. Juan Martin Favetto
with Rae Mickelwait
Age: 51 | Occupation: Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon
Born in Buenos Aires, Angentina, Dr. Favetto came to Kentucky in 1985 for a Hand Surgery Fellowship in Louisville. “I really like living and working in Kentucky,” he said. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, racing, working on cars and listening to ska music.
As a surgeon, Dr. Favetto knows that the work Surgery on Sunday does is incredibly important to the local community. When he was asked to participate in DWTLS to support the cause, he was happy to do his part.
The dance lessons are a new experience for the surgeon, and he admits that he has never danced for an audience before. “I would like to see if I can learn enough to not make a fool of myself,” he joked. Dr. Favetto says his instructor, Rea, is his secret weapon in the competition. Together, they will hit the floor and try to wow the crowd.
Benna Deney
with Bobby Docherty
Age: 45 | Occupation: Au Pair
Benna was born in Bulgaria. When she was young, she loved watching the international ballroom and Latin dance competitions that took place in her hometown. “When I was 16, I was finally brave enough to sign up for some dance classes,” she said. That experience will help, but it’s a far cry from dancing in front of the DWTLS crowd. “I have never done anything like this before. To be honest, I am a bit nervous, but I believe so strongly in this cause that I will leave my nerves at the door.”
Benna is practicing The Hustle with her dance partner. “Since I am too young to have actually danced at Studio 54, I am very excited to learn this,” she said. “I am so happy to be able to participate in this great event as well as make new friends and learn a few new dance moves!”
Dr. John Roth and Robin Russell
John’s Occupation: Dermatologist, Kentucky Dermatology and Cosmetic Specialists
Robin’s Occupation: Senior Patient Liaison Specialist, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
John has been very involved with the local medical community, serving as a past chair of the Lexington-Fayette Board of Health and a current member of the Lexington Medical Society Foundation. He was chosen by his fellow Rotarians to represent the Rotary club of Lexington. It makes sense that he wanted to boogie to benefit an organization like Surgery on Sunday. “I practice my salsa steps every morning while getting ready for the office,” he said.
“John is a dear friend and talked me into it,” Robin admitted. “Plus, I needed a reason to show off my amazing moves!” She has only taken a few lessons casually, and her experience in performing was limited to her pre-teen years. What will be her secret weapon? “Scotch. Single Malt. Rocks.”
John and Robin have been taking weekly lessons. Robin has focused her training on understanding the backstory of salsa. “The moves are very important, but the history really drives its passion and fire.” She added, “Anyone who knows me understands I am not lacking in either.”
Andrea Walker
with Chris Stone
Age: 27 | Occupation: Morning News Anchor, WKTY & FOX 56
As a morning anchor, Andrea starts her daily grind at 2am every morning… literally; “I am passionately in love with coffee!” Her strong work ethic is serving her well as she attends dance lessons to prepare for DWTLS.
Andrea was a cheerleader at West Jessamine High School, but hasn’t danced in front of a crowd before and has no prior dance training. “It will be a completely new experience for me,” she explained. “I was excited about doing something outside of my comfort zone, and at the same time, supporting an amazing charity like Surgery on Sunday.”
Andrea says her signature move is The Bend and Snap from Legally Blonde. To prepare, she’s planning to get a spray tan–or two–like they do on DWTS. “I will most likely need all the help I can get in this competition,” she admitted. “So please vote for me and donate when the time comes!”
Adrian Smith and Rico Adams
Adrian’s Age: 34 | Occupation: Surgical Technologist, St. Joseph Hospital
Rico’s Age: 41 | Occupation: Clinical Supervisor, SpecialtyCare, Inc.
As someone who works in operating rooms at St. Joseph Hospital and Lexington Surgery Center, Rico knows just how vital Surgery on Sunday’s mission is in our community. He has volunteered for the organization for years, and now Rico is ready to get moving to raise money for the cause!
“Over the past four years, I have been attending the past Dancing with the Lexington Stars events,” he explained. “Having watched the performances, it inspired me to participate in the event. And being a volunteer for S.O.S., it will benefit a cause I care deeply about.”
As a surgical technologist at St. Joseph Hospital and PRN at UK Hospital, Adrian has also seen the great work that Surgery on Sunday does. “It is a great cause.” She added, “I love what I do, and I am excited to dance for such a wonderful event!”
Joyce Davis
with Chip Sebastian
Age: 52 | Occupation: Executive Director, Strategic Alliance and National Education, Pacira Pharmaceuticals
Joyce has a long history in the medical field. Currently, she leads a team that works with physicians to build educational platforms to enhance recovery after surgery while minimizing opioid use. As a board member for Surgery on Sunday and active Surgery Day attendee, it makes sense that Joyce is finally putting on her dancing shoes for this great cause. “I have seen firsthand the impact SOS has on our community and surrounding area,” she explained. “I consider it a privilege to be a part of Dr. Andrew Moore’s vision and mission, and I’m honored I can give back.”
Joyce teases that there will be some Dirty Dancing vibes in the dance she and her partner, Chip, will be performing. She admits that she is nervous that she’ll fall down during the big moment. She joked, “Current backup plan: make it look like it’s part of the dance!”
Troy Thompson
with Cathya Franko-Johnson
Occupation: Host and Executive Producer, ABC 36
Troy’s list of media credits is long. As a triple Emmy nominated TV host and executive producer, Troy has a ton of experience in front of and behind the camera. Currently, he works on Midday Kentucky on ABC 36. But will those acting, directing and hairstyling chops translate into DWTLS glory? “Well, I have been told I have good rhythm, so we will see if that comes true,” he said.
Troy said he has always wanted to be on DWTS. “So this is a stepping stone,” he joked. Getting to participate in DWTLS has given him the opportunity to take dance lessons for the first time in his life. He admitted that his go-to dance move at the club is… to buy a drink and watch from the sidelines. “So I better be able to learn the Jive fast.”
Is he nervous? “No, not nervous, and no, I’ve never danced in front of a crowd,” he said, “But hey, I’m on live TV every day, so…”
Jean Murphy Carmichael
with Duncan King
Age: 67 | Occupation: Bloodstock Investments, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
As a lifelong professional in the equine industry, Jean has experience at virtually every level. “Horses are an art form not unlike dancing,” Jean said. “Power and grace are what has always drawn me to them.”
Jean decided to dance in DWTLS because of the opportunity it provided to help an organization she loves, Surgery on Sunday, in a new way. “As a volunteer for the program on a civilian basis, I get to see up close and personal what a remarkable service these wonderful professionals provide,” she said. “Truly, a work of the heart.”
Jean admits that she is nervous to compete, but says she is focusing on what’s most important throughout the process. “Joy is my goal in life. To have it in my heart and to be able to share it with other people,” she explained. “Dancing is a great vehicle!”
Dr. BrandonDevers
with Rosie Picone
Age: 34 | Occupation: Orthopaedic Surgeon
Brandon, a Lexington native, husband and father of two, works as an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon. While he may be gifted with his hands, he’ll have to train his feet if he wants to gain the edge in the DWTLS competition. With no prior dance experience, Brandon is learning new dance styles and routines. “I am listening and following all of the instructions my partner gives me… exactly like I do at home,” he joked. In spite of Dr. Devers’ light-hearted approach, he certainly has a competitive spirit: “I am in it to win it,” he said.
Dr. Devers was excited to have the opportunity to support Surgery on Sunday and the Lexington Rotary Club endowment fund. He admitted, “I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I am a little nervous. However, if I help raise money and support for these great charities, then any embarrassment I may bring upon myself is well worth it.”
Lori Ann Taylor and Christian Erickson
Lori’s Age: 52 | Occupation: Owner, Belle Vie MedSpa and Belle Vie on Main
Christian’s Age: 56 | Managing Principal, Ashwood Wealth Management
Lori Ann and Christian are both entrepreneurs at heart. “We love the flexibility of being business owners,” she explained. “Working hard when we need to and getting away when we want to!” Their determination and competitive spirits will serve them well in the DWTLS competition!
“We dance a lot. However, it is far from formal dancing: more like jumping, bumping and goofing off,” Lori Ann explained. She said they’re both excited to take dance lessons. “We look forward to dancing together for years to come after this event!” Christian added, “It’s an honor to be asked to participate in this fundraising event and we are going to work hard for the votes.”
“For every vote (which is $5), you get one chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate to Belle Vie MedSpa,” she explained. “This is for a great cause and you just might win!”
Ravi Moss and Larkin Moss
Ravi’s Age: 32 | Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales / Former UK Basketball Player
Larkin’s Age: 25 | Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales
Ravi was a part of the UK squad under Tubby Smith from 2002-2006. They made it to the Elite 8 twice, so it’s fair to say that he knows a thing or two about performing under pressure. “I have played basketball in front of 27,000 crazy Cats fans at Rupp, so I should be okay,” he joked.
Larkin danced at UK and was the Miss Kentucky Quality of Life award winner. She said, “I have danced in front of crowds at Memorial Coliseum, Rupp and Commonwealth Stadium, but never the ChaCha!”
“We both wanted to be a part of DWTLS for a few reasons, the most important one being the charity that this event supports,” Larkin said. “We both commend Surgery on Sunday for the life changing procedures they offer to people that wouldn’t be able to afford it without them,” Ravi added. The newlyweds are also excited to take dance lessons together!
Gina Johnson-Higgins
with Steven King
Age: 42 | Occupation: General Dentist
Dr. Gina’s megawatt smile will be a fantastic asset during the DWTLS competition. Every competitor has a little something up their sleeve to give them the competitive edge, but Gina isn’t afraid to let everyone know: “My secret is joy!”
While Gina spends her day helping Lexington feel confident in their oral health, she’s thrilled to be able to help out another way. “Giving back to the community is very important to me. I feel so honored to be asked to participate in this wonderful event to help others while having fun and gaining some skill in dancing,” she explained. “I am having some butterflies, but the support for this event and the great work it will promote are truly motivational.”
While not everyone may know Dr. Johnson-Higgins yet, they certainly know her husband’s work: Greg Higgins is the owner of Magee’s Bakery. The couple has a daughter in high school.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Magdalene Karon and John Stewart
Magdalene’s Occupation: OB-GYN and laparascopic robotic surgical specialist, St. Joseph Main + East Hospitals
John’s Occupation: Retired Surgeon, Stewart Home & School Chairman + Medical Director
As former participants, John and Magdalene know very well all the hard work it takes to dazzle on the DWTLS stage. They juggled two busy schedules to squeeze in all their practice sessions before the big night and felt the heat of the spotlight as they danced the night away.
The organizations behind the event hold a special place in the doctors’ hearts, and so they were thrilled to come back as Honorary Co-Chairs. “As dedicated medical professionals, we are so excited to support the wonderful cause of Surgery on Sunday,” John explained.
They’re also big fans of dance. “We love to encourage dancing, whether as individuals or couples,” Magdalene said. “It’s great exercise, fun, socially engaging and great stress relief.”
John and Magdalene invite everyone to see all the performers take the stage on May 13, 2017 at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa. Tickets are available at dancingwiththelexingtonstars.com.