Luisa Lyons

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Challenge: Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Website: www.luisalyons.com

Luisa grew up in Sydney, Australia, where she trained as an actor and musician (flute and voice).

Whilst completing a B.A. (English and History) at the University of New South Wales, Luisa was involved in over twenty productions as a performer, writer, director and lighting operator. In her final year at university, Luisa co-wrote and directed Last Post, a play about Australian women living during World War I.

Luisa trained with the PACT Ensemble and the Australian Theatre for Young People, performing as a featured artist in the Sydney Writer's Festival and the Oxfam Youth International Partnership Opening Ceremony.

In 2012, Luisa moved to London. She completed an M.A. in Music Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she co-created original works and performed as Nurse and Blair Daniels in Sunday in the Park with George.

Shortly after moving to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2013, Luisa played Ariel in OpenStage’s production of The Tempest.

In 2014, a few months before her 30th birthday, Luisa was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She underwent three rounds of chemo, full body radiation, and an allogenic stem cell transplant. Luisa is incredibly thankful to the medical teams at New Milford Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for their excellent care.

For several years, Luisa has worked as a vocal coach and musical director at Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp, an 8 week summer camp for students aged 11-17. Luisa also teaches meditation, with a focus on mindfulness, having completed a Meditation Facilitator's certificate from Nature Care College.

Luisa lives in Brooklyn with her husband Aaron.