Deena "Dee" Roming is more than just an Anthem resident; she’s a beacon of resilience and vitality. For the past five years, Dee has been a dynamic presence in the community, channeling her boundless energy into a variety of fitness classes that inspire and uplift those around her. But Dee’s story isn’t just one of fitness—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and gratitude in the face of a life-altering diagnosis.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, she immersed herself in a world of sports, musicals, and pageants. Her career highlights include cheerleading for the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors, professional dancing with Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines, and running her own dance studio in California for fifteen years. For Dee, movement wasn’t just a part of her life—it was her livelihood. "Movement was key in my life and it’s always been what fills my tank," she says, reflecting on her active lifestyle.
However, the vibrant rhythm of Dee’s life hit a dissonant note in 2018. At age 40, she began to experience intense joint pain, headaches, and a host of other symptoms including acid reflux, heart palpitations, rashes, and muscle pain so profound it left her struggling to find words to describe to her doctors. Her once reliable body, which had carried her through years of activity and joy, suddenly seemed to be betraying her.
After numerous visits to doctors and an exhaustive search for answers, Dee was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells. “When you hear a diagnosis like that, it’s scary, especially when you know nothing about it,” Dee recalls.
Despite the constant pain, she refused to let Lupus dictate her life. Instead of surrendering to her new reality, she resolved to fight back with the same vigor that had characterized her pre-diagnosis life. She dove into research, determined to regain control of her health. Her approach was holistic: clean eating, adequate sleep, and maintaining physical activity. Dee embraced a lifestyle that included a diet of non-inflammatory foods, improved gut health with supplements and fermented foods, and a relentless commitment to movement.
The journey was anything but easy. Lupus still grips her with flare-ups from time to time, but Dee’s perseverance has paid off. After years of dedication, her most recent bloodwork showed no active lupus in her system. “I will always have Lupus, but Lupus doesn’t have me,” she asserts with a resilient smile.
Today, Dee channels her experiences into helping others. She teaches a variety of fitness classes in the Anthem Community, including Country Line Dancing, Zumba, Muscle Mix, and Water Fitness. Additionally, she teaches ballet, tap, cheer and tumbling to children ages 3-12.
Dee’s message is clear: cherish your body, be thankful for its strengths, and be kind to it. “Our bodies are made for motion,” she says. “I am happier when I move. It releases endorphins that lift my spirits and help me face each day with a positive outlook.”
For those interested in experiencing Dee’s uplifting classes and drawing inspiration from her journey, she offers a welcoming space in each of her classes. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of chronic illness, the human spirit can triumph with courage, dedication, and a love for life. To learn more, visit http://www.DancewithDee.com
“When you hear a diagnosis like that, it’s scary, especially when you know nothing about it,”
“I will always have Lupus, but Lupus doesn’t have me,”