Who: Lifelong Lake Winola resident Paula Vandorick is a well-known face of kindness and generosity within her community, having always been involved in helping others in their times of need. The wife of John and mom to Kelcy and Hunter loves crafting, painting and spending time with her family, especially her grandson Mason, with whom she builds plenty of summertime memories at the lake. In August, Vandorick was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer-invasive ductile carcinoma, which forced her to give up her work at Dr. Patrick Murray’s office, where she has been employed for more than 30 years.
What: Supporters have organized Paula’s Power, a benefit that will include a pasta dinner, basket raffles and a gift card pull. Sponsorships as well as monetary, gift card and basket donations are still being accepted. Donations payable to Paula’s Power can be sent to Marilyn Caputo at 201 Elizabeth Lane, Factoryville, PA 18419. Advance tickets cost $15. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 to 7 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Jan. 19)
Where: Lake Winola Fire Hall, 1204 Route 307
Why: Proceeds will be used to cover medical costs associated with Vandorick’s treatment, which will include chemotherapy for the rest of her life.
In her own words: “I have lived in this community my whole life, and knowing I have family, friends, neighbors and my community to lean on at this very difficult time is amazing. The support I have already received has been overwhelming. I am so thankful.” — Paula Vandorick
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
