Family friend organizes ‘For the Love of Lindsay’ concert

A benefit concert for FC student Lindsay Weimer,’20, will be held this Saturday, Feb. 3, in the Student Ministries Center (SMC) from 7-8:30 p.m. Weimer was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2017 and has spent the past months in an out of the hospital undergoing chemotherapy.

Weimer began feeling symptoms during her freshman soccer season. After an MRI, biopsy and CT scan, she was officially diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in bones or the soft tissue of bones. There are fewer than 1,000 cases in the United States each year, and it typically affects teenagers. It developed in Weimer’s hip and caused her pain while playing sports.

After undergoing several rounds of chemo, Weimer underwent a hip transplant surgery in November to remove a tumor. She is currently recovering and attends classes when possible.

The musical evening was put together by concert coordinator Heather Lazzarini in hopes to raise money for Weimer’s treatments. Lazzarini has known the Weimer family for over a decade and has worked with Lindsay in the PC Kids program.

“It is my hope that the focus of this night is to fill the room with praise for our living and loving God, the God who gives strength for our battles, healing for our bodies and our hearts,” Lazzarini said. “We have hope in Him because of what Christ did for us on the cross. In doing this, we can show love and support for Lindsay and her family as they walk the path God has placed them on.”

I love being in ensemble with Lindsay because she is one of my closest friends and she’s super fun to be around. She also has an amazing voice. The thing I admire most about Lindsay is her determination. She will try her hardest and give her best at everything she does. — Kayla Vanderlinden

Lazzarini also organized this concert in honor of Lindsay’s mother Heidi Weimer, who passed away after losing her battle with cancer four years ago.

“This concert is also in honor of Heidi Weimer, for the love she had for God’s people and the passion and compassion with which she served Him,” Lazzarini said. “Her example continues to fuel me to this very day.”

Lindsay’s father Matt Weimer is an elementary teacher on campus and has other siblings who attend the school as well.

The event will feature Fresno Christian’s Cantiamo high school choir and women’s Bellezza ensemble (of which Weimer is currently a member). The concert will also feature the Peoples Church Student Ministries Worship Team and the University High School String Quartet.

Fourteen year old violinist Anjeli Macaranas, a three time Carnegie Hall performer, 2017 National Honor Orchestra Member and California All-State Concert Master, will also be performing Saturday night.

Friend and fellow classmate Kayla Vanderlinden, ’20, enjoys spending time with Weimer during Bellezza ensemble and is excited for the upcoming concert.

“I love being in ensemble with Lindsay because she is one of my closest friends and she’s super fun to be around,” Vanderlinden said. “She also has an amazing voice. The thing I admire most about Lindsay is her determination. She will try her hardest and give her best at everything she does.”

Lazzarini describes Weimer as an amazing leader and as someone who cares deeply about her friends and family. She also enjoys seeing Weimer’s amazing smile.

“Lindsay Weimer, the name is pretty much synonymous with amazing smile,” Lazzarini said. “If you have never seen this smile, then you are missing out. If you have, the you know what I mean! I first got to experience this smile when she was a tiny Awana Cubbie. I used to call her Little Lindsay, because at four years old she was little, but her smile wasn’t, not even back then. It lit up the room.”

Chosen Yogurt will also be present after the event, selling chocolate dipped ice cream bars for $5 each in the cafe. All proceeds will be donated to the Weimers.

Tickets are not required for entrance, however an offering will be taken during the concert to support Weimer’s battle with bone cancer.

If you are not able to attend the event, donations (in the form of checks) can be made out to Peoples Church. Write ‘Weimer Family’ on the memo line and mail to Peoples Church, 7172 N Cedar Ave, Fresno CA 93720.

Friends, family and community members continue to pray for Weimer’s healing. If you could like to support the Weimer family, visit Lindsay’s YouCaring page to donate.

For more information about Lindsay Weimer’s story, visit her Caring Bridge page.

For more articles, read Lindsay Weimer’s chapel perspective or Hazelwood case continues to impact student journalists.