by Denise Manzagol, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online

Sasha Archer (photo courtesy of Denise Manzagol)

Michigan has been struggling with the economy, staggering auto sales and looming layoffs. The gloom and doom are daily headlines in the news. How are the residents of Rochester, a northern suburban Detroit community, and surrounding areas coping with those challenges? A peek inside the Onyx‐Rochester Ice Arena, situated among the gently rolling hills of Rochester, Mich., shows that the community is doing more than just coping - it is still dedicated to helping others.

A club with a big heart, the Onyx‐Suburban Skating Academy sponsored the "Skate for a Cause" skating exhibition and bake sale Aug. 6, 2009, to benefit Sasha Archer's medical fund. Archer, 29, is Skating Director Amaan Archer's sister.

"Within days of announcing the fundraiser to our members, I was overwhelmed by the responses I received from our skaters, parents and coaches with offers to help make it a success," said Janice Dawson, president of the Onyx‐Suburban Skating Academy (OSA). "It was very heartwarming to see how excited everyone was to pitch in and help a member of our extended OSA family ... and the kids were able to do something they love - skate - while helping a special person in need."

Sasha enjoys helping others, animals in particular. She has nursed 97 kittens from birth to adoption, and has fostered dogs and cats.

"Sasha is an incredible person with an amazing spirit. Even when she was going through all the obstacles, she always had the most positive attitude," said longtime friend and Onyx coach Lindsey Weber.

Archer and Weber met at the rink when they were 10 years old. Sasha was there while her brother Amaan, a former national competitor and current skating director, was training at the same time as Weber, a former U.S. junior medalist and current coach and member of the Athletes Advisory Committee. When Weber found out her childhood friend was diagnosed with cancer, she knew she had to do something.

"When something like that happens, you feel helpless, and I thought, 'Well, I love skating, what can I do with that to help?'" Weber said.

Three young skaters get ready backstage for their number in "Skate for a Cause." (photo courtesy of Denise Manzagol)

She brought her idea to a member of the OSA Board of Directors, and with the teamwork of the board and club parents, the event was organized.

The community's outpouring resulted in $3,350 contributed to Sasha's medical fund, and more than 300 people attended the event to offer encouragement and support. Thirty-one skaters and two synchronized skating teams performed.

"This is such a nice, feel-good event," said Cheri Freeman, mom of OSA member, Allison. Kate Manzagol, also an OSA member, added, "It was a great opportunity for both youth and adults to come together as a community, to put their time and talents together toward a good cause."

The skating put a huge smile on Sasha's face and raised a substantial amount of money that will assist her with medical and living expenses during her treatments.

"There are no words that can describe our gratitude for all the donations," Amaan said. "Our sincere thanks also go to all the volunteers and the Onyx Rochester Ice Arena for hosting this great event. Your generosity is very much appreciated."

Despite the hardships they've had to endure in their lives outside of skating, the members of the Onyx‐Suburban Skating Academy and surrounding communities have maintained their heart and compassion for others.

"With the success of this fundraiser, we plan to host a 'Skate for a Cause' fundraiser annually to benefit someone in need from our skating family or from our community," Dawson said.