Dancer Gbari Gilliam in Critical Condition

Gbari Gilliam, a 32-year-old professional dancer, is in need of a heart transplant after collapsing during rehearsals last week. He was immediately rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Shock Diagnosis and Urgent Need for Transplant

Doctors have determined that Gilliam’s condition is due to thickening of the heart walls, hindering its ability to effectively pump blood. A message posted online stated that a heart transplant is necessary to save his life. Until a donor heart is available, he will require an artificial heart and undergo multiple procedures.

Friends and Family Describe Gilliam’s Character

Those close to Gilliam describe him as a supportive and caring individual. “He’s like the person you talk to when you need someone to talk to and you need someone to lean on,” said Shantel Urina, Gilliam’s girlfriend and dance partner of six years. Choreographer and dancer Comfort Fedoke emphasized the crucial role a nearby nurse played in saving Gilliam’s life, stating that he would have died without her quick intervention.

A Nurse's Quick Thinking Saved His Life

Tuseda Graggs-Borden, Gilliam’s mother, expressed her gratitude to the nurse, saying, “I believe she saved his life. If she had not been there, it’d be a whole different story.” The family is facing significant medical expenses, hospital bills, and recovery costs.

Gilliam’s Background and Community Support

Gilliam graduated from UCLA in 2016 and has performed on shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and in productions by Tyler Perry. Friends have noted the overwhelming support from the dance community and beyond. “Because he’s poured so much into other people, it’s really beautiful to see so many people pouring it back into him in this moment,” Urina added.

Hope for Recovery

Gilliam’s mother remains optimistic about his 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, doing what he loves… Being that light. I’m looking forward to that.”