Cancer messed with the wrong dancer.
This is the message that Styles Dance Centre has rallied around to support 13-year-old Camdyn Darrah, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Camdyn is a seventh grader at Hays Middle School and started dancing at SDC when she was three years old, under the direction of her dance teacher Alyssa Dechant.
A skilled and versatile student, Camdyn performs ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary and musical theatre with her company.
Camdyn was recently able to work with a choreographer from LA to perform a jazz piece, Dechant shared she really shined.
“She has always been a beautiful dancer- stunning lines and so strong. She is powerful and has always pushed herself to grow. It is always a pleasure to teach and coach someone like Camdyn,” Dechant shared.
With news of Camdyn’s diagnosis, Dechant and the SDC family have gone above and beyond to show their love and support in her fight.
Though she is unable to dance, her dance family continues to be by her side.
“Although we are all struggling with this discovery, Camdyn’s diagnosis has brought our dance family even closer together,” Dechant stated. “As a team, we are stronger in fighting against any adversity together, she is not alone in this fight. Camdyn should know that we are always standing with her to be supported and needed.”
Camdyn has been undergoing treatment at Children’s Mercy following her diagnosis while attending school online.
“She has been amazingly positive and strong. She is in good spirits and has been fearless when undergoing treatment and facing her diagnosis,” mother Jenna Rome said.
Rome currently works at Wilson Elementary as a kindergarten aid while also teaching ballet with SDC. Camdyn’s sister, Caelyn, also dances at SDC and is a student at Wilson.
“Our lives are very different than they used to be. Now that we have started the treatment plan, things should slow down and we can hopefully have a bit of normalcy back,” Rome shared.
Dechant has helped organize the benefit show to support Camdyn and her family as their lives have gone through immense change.
Along with the benefit show, Dechant has helped organize fundraisers and collect donations for the family.
John and Lisa Flynn, owners of Gone Logo, worked with Dechant in organizing a tshirt and wristband fundraiser that was shared with Styles as well as other dance studios and the community of Hays.
The benefit show will be on February 6 at 6:30, held at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center located on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Alongside SDC’s competition company, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Hays High School and Middle School Cheerleading are also providing their support with performances that evening.
All proceeds will go towards the family’s medical and travel expenses.
The show will include a raffle as well as free will donation, doors will open at 5. Anyone unable to attend can show their support through donations that can be submitted to Alyssa using @Alyssa-Dechant code 3604.
“I think Hays is an amazing community that has already come together to help so much- positive energy, thoughts, and prayers are always welcome!”
