Dance Marathon to Benefit Pediatric Oncology Clinic
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2006) − Students are busy preparing for the University
of Kentucky’s first dance marathon, DanceBlue, which will
benefit the Pediatric
Oncology Clinic at the UK
HealthCare’s Chandler Medical Center. A year of fundraising will culminate with a
24-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon starting at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, and
continuing through Saturday, Feb. 11, in Memorial Coliseum.
DanceBlue is a new student-run philanthropy, a program within the UK Student Volunteer Center that involves thousands of students with a common goal, to help find a cure “For the Kids.” Approximately 50 student organizations, registered as DanceBlue teams, are independently fundraising on behalf of the Golden Matrix Fund. This fund provides families who have a child with cancer with emotional support and financial aid, and supports pediatric cancer research at UK. All organizations will compete for the Golden Matrix Cup, awarded to the team with the most contributions to DanceBlue.
In addition to fundraising, many organizations are involved with the Adopt-A-Family program, which pairs organizations with Golden Matrix families. The families and organization inspire each other to keep fighting for a brighter future.
“Regardless of how much money we raise, we have already succeeded,” said Emily Pfeifer, a senior majoring in finance and the overall chair of DanceBlue. “Children with cancer have found new friends, and UK students are focused on a worthy cause, not just giving from their pockets. Students have had the opportunity to build relationships with the families, organize fun activities, and provide emotional support.”
“On our campus, there are UK students going to classes while children are in the UK clinics battling cancer,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Moscow, professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric hematology-oncology at UK. “It is amazing that the students have not only seen these kids as members of their own community, but have reached out to make a difference in their lives. The money that the students raise will be used to make our children’s cancer center among the best in the nation.”
At current count, more than 180 dancers have signed up to be on their feet for 24 hours, symbolic of the daily struggle faced by children with cancer. Various awards associated with the events will be announced at the close of the marathon at 8:45 p.m. Feb. 11.
DanceBlue is open to the entire community, and anyone can show support as a spectator. There are no advance ticket sales for spectators, but a $2 donation (or more) to the Golden Matrix Fund is suggested upon entry. For more information, visit the DanceBlue Web site or contact Emily Pfeifer at (614) 313-2274 or Jenny Priddy, community relations chair, at (502) 599-0219.
DanceBlue is a new student-run philanthropy, a program within the UK Student Volunteer Center that involves thousands of students with a common goal, to help find a cure “For the Kids.” Approximately 50 student organizations, registered as DanceBlue teams, are independently fundraising on behalf of the Golden Matrix Fund. This fund provides families who have a child with cancer with emotional support and financial aid, and supports pediatric cancer research at UK. All organizations will compete for the Golden Matrix Cup, awarded to the team with the most contributions to DanceBlue.
In addition to fundraising, many organizations are involved with the Adopt-A-Family program, which pairs organizations with Golden Matrix families. The families and organization inspire each other to keep fighting for a brighter future.
“Regardless of how much money we raise, we have already succeeded,” said Emily Pfeifer, a senior majoring in finance and the overall chair of DanceBlue. “Children with cancer have found new friends, and UK students are focused on a worthy cause, not just giving from their pockets. Students have had the opportunity to build relationships with the families, organize fun activities, and provide emotional support.”
“On our campus, there are UK students going to classes while children are in the UK clinics battling cancer,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Moscow, professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric hematology-oncology at UK. “It is amazing that the students have not only seen these kids as members of their own community, but have reached out to make a difference in their lives. The money that the students raise will be used to make our children’s cancer center among the best in the nation.”
At current count, more than 180 dancers have signed up to be on their feet for 24 hours, symbolic of the daily struggle faced by children with cancer. Various awards associated with the events will be announced at the close of the marathon at 8:45 p.m. Feb. 11.
DanceBlue is open to the entire community, and anyone can show support as a spectator. There are no advance ticket sales for spectators, but a $2 donation (or more) to the Golden Matrix Fund is suggested upon entry. For more information, visit the DanceBlue Web site or contact Emily Pfeifer at (614) 313-2274 or Jenny Priddy, community relations chair, at (502) 599-0219.