Benefit held for 'Cha-Cha Slide' creator battling cancer

CHICAGO (WLS) -- You've probably heard his song, the smash hit "Cha-Cha Slide" or "Casper Slide," on the dance floor at a wedding or party. Now friends and supporters of DJ Casper are trying to help him in his battle with cancer.

The "Cha-Cha Slide" was first danced on the corner of Wacker and Michigan in 2000, because Willie "Casper" Perry was born and raised in Englewood.

"He's one of the world's greatest entertainers and people don't realize that," says Derrick Brown, friend and program director. "With that number one hit 'Cha-Cha Slide' known universally."

Monday night his South Side community rallied around him, who is now fighting to types of cancer affecting his kidney and brain.

Dozens of friends, family and fans gathered in Orland Park to show their support. The crowded room almost brought Casper to tears.

"I feel love, I feel touched that everybody came out and support me, I appreciate it," Casper says.

The 45-year-old says both of his parents died from cancer, but he's keeping a positive outlook and trying to enjoy life.

"I'm just taking it one day at a time and hoping that everything works out," he says.

He also says music is still what gets him through the hard times.

"The good days outweigh the bad days, so I won't complain," he says.

Casper says despite his illness he's still producing music. He is hoping to get another hit on the radio soon.