Ever since he was diagnosed with cancer at age 8, Alex Swader has been an activist for a cure.

Now 12, Swader is getting ready for the fourth annual Tapping Out Childhood Cancer Gala, sponsored by Dancers Fighting Cancer. The gala is Sept. 30, 1:30-5:30 p.m., at Gabrella Manor in Birmingham.

The first three events have brought in $35,000, all of which goes to support pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital.

Swader, who is a seventh-grader at Bragg Middle School, has hosted numerous fund-raisers for cancer research, has been honorary chairman for the North Jefferson Relay for Life, and has given speeches at various events. Plus, he dances pretty much every chance he gets.

“You would never know he was sick,” said Swader’s mother, Michele Swader.

Swader will perform at the gala, along with fellow cancer survivors Carly Parker and Sarah Ferguson. Also performing will be the Alabama Ballet Company and others.

“It’s going to be a really amazing show,” said Michele Swader. “We want it to be a celebration, not just for people in the dance community, but for everybody.”

There will also be general dancing for everyone with a DJ from JAMM Entertainment.

The event is family-oriented and will feature food, games, moonwalks, face painting and clowns from Children’s Hospital. Rob Conrad of Magic 96 FM will emcee.

All food and events will cost twenty-five cents each.

“It’s kind of like a fall festival, but with a gold ribbon theme,” said Michele Swader. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the yellow ribbon is the logo.

To help bring awareness, the Swaders and friends have made and distributed yellow ribbons in the north Jefferson County area. Businesses displaying the ribbons include Healthy Kids of Gardendale, Dr. Carol Nicrosi, Icehouse in Mt. Olive, Shaw Building Supply, Roo’s Place Garden Center and Gifts, Clayton’s Florist, Lacey’s Paint and Body, Mt. Olive Pharmacy and Deborah’s Party Rentals.

I can’t tell you what it means to go to the businesses and see the gold ribbons,” said Michele Swader. “It warms your heart. It tells us that they care, they’re supporting us.”

Gabrella Manor is at 8912 Fourth Avenue S. in Birmingham. Visit www.gabrellamanor.com for directions.

Tickets for the gala are $18 if ordered in advance at www.childrensal.kintera.org/dancersfightingcancer, or they are $20 at the door.

For more information, call Michele Swader at 261-1416 or look up Dancers Fighting Cancer on Facebook.

In conjunction with the gala, renowned dance master Acia Gray is in town the same weekend to support the event. Gray is teaching Tapping Out workshops Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 at Gabrella Manor, with proceeds to benefit pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital.

The schedule is:

• Sept. 28, beginner class, 4:30-6 p.m., $25

• Sept. 28, teacher workshop, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $50

• Sept. 29, intermediate-advanced class (ages 13 and up), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with lunch break), $50

• Sept. 29, beginner class, 2:30-4 p.m., $25

To register, call Heather at Gabrella Manor at 833-9754. Payment must clear prior to class for participation. All checks should be made to Children’s Hospital, with Dancers Fighting Cancer in the memo line.