Alex Swader tap-danced his way effortlessly across the stage Sunday at the Alabama Theatre to the tune of “Mr. Bojangles,” bringing thunderous applause.

The life of this 15-year-old cancer survivor in some ways mimics the iconic dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Bojangles made millions of dollars on stage and in movies. Much of his wealth went to charities.

At the age of 8, Alex launched the Tapping Out Childhood Cancer Gala, raising thousands for his favorite charity – The Alabama Center For Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Tapping Out Childhood Cancer from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and events such as Tapping Out Childhood Cancer raise awareness and support research.

Ticket prices for the show varied, and contributions were accepted online. Even before the start of Sunday’s event, Dancers Fighting Cancer had raised $116,810 online.

“I just wanted to do something. I wanted to give back. I wanted to help,” said Alex. “The government does not contribute enough to childhood cancer research, and we need more. So this is just something we could do.”

Sunday’s show marked the seventh time Alex and Dancers Fighting Cancer have brought together professional and student dancers to raise money for childhood cancer research. He received inspiration from acts of kindness shown while he was in Children’s battling cancer.

“Once while he was in the hospital for a chemo visit a motorcycle group came in and brought teddy bears,” said his mother, Michele Swader. “When they left, Alex said, ‘When I get better, I want to do something to make people feel good.’”

Alex decided to combine his passions – dance and helping others –  to start Dancers Fighting Cancer. This organization raises funds to present comforting plush toy monkeys to children with cancer.

Hundreds of dancers from throughout Alabama and nearby states performed their best routines Sunday to raise money to fight cancer and celebrate survivors and those still struggling.

Survivors and children with cancer arrived at the event with their families on a chartered bus. They entered on a red carpet and were designated as VIPs with reserved seats down front. The afternoon ended with a party for the children.

Alex encouraged other children throughout the event.

“My wish for you is that you do it all,” Alex wrote in the event program. “That you own every second this world has to give you. I hope you see many places and dream many dreams. And even have the pain of falling in love. I hope that you live your life to its fullest because as survivors, you and I know the best thing we can say is I fought. I won. I Lived.”

Alex dances somewhere almost every day – taking lessons or preparing for a show, said his mother. When he was younger, his life as a dancer was threatened by a cancer that grows in the bones or soft surrounding tissue. Alex was the kid with no hair on his head, without eyebrows or lashes. Treatment for his disease included many days of aggressive chemotherapy at Children’s, his mother said.

Alex was in remission for five years before doctors confirmed his cure two years ago.

For Alex, dance is a way of life. He plans to continue dancing and giving back.

“It’s my way of expressing my feelings to others,” he said. “Without dance, I don’t know what I would do.”