Amy Hollinger is a 22-year-old professional ballerina and dance teacher. On the evening of Oct. 20, 2012, Hollinger was walking home from a dance performance when she was struck by a car on Downing Street in Denver. Hollinger suffered severe head injuries.
"I remember that first Sunday that she didn't show up for rehearsal and looking for her all day and finding her at Denver Health. I've been there every week since, and it is going to be a long road," said Amy Fogarty, a friend and ballerina.
Hollinger has since been moved to Craig Hospital. Her absence is leaving a void in the lives of her friends and fellow dancers.
"It didn't really click for me until I came back here for the first rehearsal without her," Oliver Shock, a friend and dancer, said. "There was a huge hole everywhere in the studio."
While the dance community is unable to heal Hollinger from her injuries, they are coming together to help her with mounting medical expenses.
On Saturday, a benefit will be held for Hollinger at the Performing Arts Center at the Pinnacle Charter in Denver. Fifteen dance companies from the area will come together to perform with all of the proceeds being donated to the Hollinger family to help defray her medical costs. A suggested donation of $20 will be accepted at the door.
The dancers remember Hollinger for the passion she brought to dancing. They hope to bring that same passion to this benefit performance.
"The passion is at a whole new level now. This show is all focused on someone we love and someone we're hoping with all of our hearts is dancing again with us soon," Fogarty said.
(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)