Mikayla Yanchik, 27, has lived many years with Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcer disease, severe gastroparesis and Ehlers‒Danlos Syndrome.

She is now in need of a multi-visceral transplant, a complex surgical procedure that replaces multiple diseased abdominal organs with healthy organs from a donor.

By sharing their talents, dancers taking part in the MainStreet Dance Company Showcase aim to “provide hope and critical support for Mikayla as she fights for her second chance at life,” states a press release about the event.

Andrea McGraw, owner of Andrea’s School of Dance in Bellwood, said she came across a GoFundMe post about Yanchik’s illnesses and struggles and decided to lend a helping hand through her charitable MainStreet Dance Company Showcase, which has raised and donated $12,988 since its inception in 2010.

Yanchik

The 90-minute showcase is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Bellwood-Antis High School auditorium.

During the show, each solo, duo, trio and group performance will include a brief narrative about Yanchik’s illness, which will be read aloud on stage.

Unlike the traditional annual recital that primarily features group numbers, the event also highlights the individual stories and unique journeys of each dancer through a variety of engaging dance styles.

The intermission will offer attendees “time to connect, reflect and deepen their understanding of the cause,” McGraw said in a news release.

Yearslong battle

Yanchik “is a strong girl,” her mom Sharon Yanchik said.

Because of intestinal failure, Yanchik relies on total parenteral nutrition, in which nutrients are delivered through a central line near her heart.

She hasn’t eaten food for 13 years and weighs just 92 pounds, thus requiring pediatric donor organs with an O-positive blood type.

An Altoona resident, Sharon has been by her daughter’s side throughout her medical journey.

Yanchik has been on the transplant list for nearly two years and was moved to second in line in October after her liver was added to her list of needed organs, which now includes a liver, stomach, pancreas and both small and large intestines.

The upcoming showcase will inform community members about Yanchik’s long journey as they show support during her critical time of need, her mom said, noting Yanchik plans to attend the performance.

“It makes her feel good that people are wishing her well,” Sharon Yanchik said.

Spreading awareness

When McGraw told her dance students about Yanchik’s illness, many were in awe that she hadn’t eaten food for longer than some dancers had been alive.

Students were then definitely on board with raising money for her, McGraw said.

Participating in this fundraiser supports residents both financially and emotionally, according to student dancer Mila DelGrosso.

“When we show up and contribute, we’re letting them know that we care,” DelGrosso said.

Likewise, student Lakaia Long, 16, enjoys raising money for others through her dance company’s showcase.

“As a teenager, you sometimes feel like you can’t always do much to help others who need it, but our company showcase has taught me that is wrong: everyone can help others, even in tiny ways,” she said.

All event proceeds will go toward Yanchik’s medical expenses and related needs.

If you go

What: MainStreet Dance Company Showcase to benefit Mikayla Yanchik

When: Feb. 21, doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Where: Bellwood-Antis High School auditorium

Tickets: Available at the door for a suggested donation of $7