Victoria breast cancer survivor becomes Zumba instructor for fundraiser⁠

A Victoria breast cancer survivor who turned to movement while undergoing treatment will take the stage next weekend as a Zumba instructor at a fundraiser supporting breast cancer research.

In 2021, at the height of the pandemic,` discovered a dense mass in her chest. She was later diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease.

Five years later, Hodson is preparing to help lead Victoria’s second annual Party in Pink Zumbathon on Saturday, October 3rd.

The event, hosted by Dance Fitness with Lizy, will bring together Zumba instructors from across Vancouver Island to raise money for breast cancer research.

For Hodson, taking the stage marks another chapter in a journey that included months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Following her diagnosis, Hodson underwent eight rounds of accelerated-dose chemotherapy over four months, followed by a double mastectomy and 15 radiation treatments over three weeks.

Throughout her treatment, she said her doctor encouraged her to remain physically active as much as she could.

“I just kept hearing the doctor’s instruction: exercise will help the chemo work better,” Hodson said.

Early in her treatment, she continued lifting weights and going for long walks. As treatment became more difficult, she adapted by using floor and chair exercises to keep herself moving.

About a year ago, a friend encouraged Hodson to attend a Zumba class with Lizy Gipson, founder of Dance Fitness with Lizy.

Hodson had tried Zumba about a decade earlier, but this time something clicked.

Over the following months, she says she rebuilt her cardiovascular fitness to approximately where it had been before her cancer diagnosis.

She also underwent reconstruction surgery during that time, gradually returning to Zumba at her own pace while recovering. Then came an opportunity she hadn’t expected.

When Gipson invited students interested in becoming Zumba instructors to reach out, Hodson put her name forward.

She is now being mentored by Gipson and the Dance Fitness team and will help teach at the October 3rd fundraiser.

“No matter where you are, what stage you are at, or what you have been through, you can do Zumba,” Hodson said.

“Regularly doing something like Zumba will be there for you when you need it most. In fact, it might just save your life.”

This year’s Party in Pink Zumbathon follows an inaugural event that raised $1,511 for breast cancer research.

Organizers have moved the fundraiser into a venue more than twice the size this year and hope to at least double the amount raised.

The afternoon will feature several Zumba instructors from across Vancouver Island, along with a silent auction featuring products and services donated by local businesses and supporters.

The event will take place Saturday, October 3rd at United Commons, located at 932 Balmoral Road in Victoria.

Admission is by donation, with cash, e-transfer, debit and credit accepted.

Those unable to attend can also support the fundraiser by sending an e-transfer to the cause.