Olivia Moran (left) has organized a fundraiser for teacher Lisa Tydings (right). The March 24 event features area dance students. Provided photo.Lisa Tydings never thought she would hear those fateful words, “You have cancer,” but nine months ago, on June 17, she did when she received her diagnosis of stage 2 B breast cancer. Since then, she has undergone chemotherapy, two surgeries and recently started radiation. Tydings has no family history of breast cancer. But what she does have is an undefeatable spirit, a strong support system and the help of area young dancers who will perform to help Tydings.
On Saturday, March 24 students from area dance schools will showcase their talents on behalf of Tydings and the Breast Cancer Coalition. The fundraiser titled, “I Dance for Life,” will be held at the Hilton High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the door. Food and refreshments are available for purchase, along with a raffle for gift baskets as well as other merchandise and gift cards from Spencerport and Hilton businesses. The Breast Cancer Coalition will also be on hand to answer questions and provide breast cancer awareness information.
Olivia Moran, a senior at Hilton High School, is the event organizer and a student at LaDanse Workshop. This fall, she approached her dance teacher, Karen Winters, about ideas for her senior project. Winters had just learned of Tydings’ recent diagnosis. After some brainstorming, the two came up with the idea of a benefit performance.
“This event has grown into something much bigger than I ever thought it would be. I never thought it would take this much effort, but it’s worth all of the hard work. I feel so lucky to help someone like Mrs. Tydings, she’s inspirational,” Olivia said.
A Hilton resident, Tydings is a special education teacher at the Village Elementary School in Hilton. She’s been married for 14 years to her husband Jeff and they have four children, Taylor, age 10, Mc-Kenna, age 7, Nolan, age 4 and Brody, age 2. With the help of family, friends and support groups, the family is coping and moving forward.
“We are doing well. My cancer was caught early and we took an aggressive approach to treatment. The Breast Cancer Coalition has been a tremendous resource for me. They were my outlet, a place where I could look to for help, guidance and answers. Gilda’s Club has many programs for children and we’ve gotten our kids involved with different activities there,” Tydings said.
Both Olivia and Tydings hope this event is successful. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition and the Tydings family. But Tydings hopes the event creates a call to action.
“There will be many young women performing and attending this event. I hope this night brings about an understanding of breast cancer awareness, and young women learn the importance of self-detection,” Tydings said.
The doors open at 5 p.m., the show begins at 6 p.m. and will include dancers from LaDanse Workshop, A Time for Dance, Marilyn Schneider School of Dance, the Young School of Irish Dance and the Lancer Dancers. Hilton High School is located at 400 East Avenue, Hilton.
