MCC Dance Student Mia Welch MCC dance student Mia Welch is not only alive and well after receiving a heart transplant a year ago, she’s celebrating her new life by performing in a dance showcase at Mesa Community College on Thursday.

Welch, who received a new heart at the age of 21 due to congestive heart failure, is back dancing after being bedridden for 6 months. In 2010, Welch had earned a spot on Mesa Community College’s dance company, but had to put her dance goals on hold when she developed the condition.

“Mia is doing great,” said Tina Rangel, the MCC dance company director. “She’s a little nervous about getting back in. She’s taking baby steps, but she’s back.”

Welch said she knows she has hard work ahead of her, but she feels stronger than she has in a very long time.

“Being able to dance again feels like a dream come true,” Welch said. “I wanted this for so long, and now I'm here and I'm dancing. I couldn't ask for anything better.”

Welch, who works part-time, received scholarship money to take the summer dance class at MCC. Her dance goal is to get back to where she was three years ago.

“I know it will take me a while, but I will get there,” Welch said. “MCC and the dance teachers have helped me since before I even got sick, challenging me to try new things, and always supporting me every step of the way. It's been a hard few years and life changing. But I have my life back and I couldn't be happier.”

The Summer Dance Showcase is Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m. in the East Gym at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus. Tickets are $5 at the door and proceeds go to dance scholarships.

About Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. MCC excels in teaching, learning and empowering its more than 40,000 students to succeed in a local and global community. Mesa Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District.

Please direct media inquiries to Sally Mesarosh at mesarosh@mesacc.edu or the Office of Institutional Advancement at 480-461-7445. IA website: www.mesacc.edu/ia.