Dance Marathon Means Fun and Hope
by Elizabeth Crumpler

Imagine being a parent with a child that is in and out of the hospital, or who has to struggle just to find the money for gas to drive for a visit. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s annual Dance Marathon helps raise money for the N.C. Children’s Hospital, so families with chronically ill children won’t have to endure as many difficulties.

Fetzer Gymnasium was alive for 24 hours Friday and Saturday with dancers, moral-boosters, and volunteers--all working to raise money through the marathon.
Even Student Body President-elect Seth Dearmin turned up as a dancer for the fundraiser, passing the time by shooting baskets with other marathoners.

But amidst all of the dancing, the real reason for the excitement never took a backseat. All of the money raised from Dance Marathon goes to support UNC Hospitals and its For the Kids Fund, which helps families of children suffering from chronic illness. Sophomore Mary Williams said the thought of these families kept her on her feet.

“There are inspirational stories throughout the day that tell us why we’re standing here and why we’re dancing, and that keeps me going,” Williams said.

The efforts of more than 1,500 volunteers paid off. Dance Marathon raised more than $184,000 this year – $14,000 more than 2004. Dance Marathon’s coordinator Julia Shalan said the lessons the marathon dancers learn in just a 24-hour period can last a lifetime.

“From the entire experience, you can learn what it’s like to have to sacrifice for someone else, as these parents do every day for their children,” Shalan said.

Although the dancers’ sacrifices might pale in comparison to the families they help, their efforts may ease some of the frustration and hardship associated with having a child in the hospital.

For more information on Dance Marathon, click to its Web site.