On February 10, over 300 KU students came together to celebrate a “Dec-aid of Dancing” with KU Dance Marathon (KUDM) and recognize the patients and families treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics. KUDM is a part of an even larger nationwide movement that unites college, university, and high school students across North America. Students involved in a campus’ dance marathon organization spend a year gaining leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while raising funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

KUDM students culminated this year-long fundraising effort with a 10-hour event taking place in the ballroom of the Kansas Memorial Union in Lawrence, KS. Kicking off the event was Vice Chancellor and longtime supporter of KUDM, Provost Neeli Bendapudi leading the dancers in a chant of “Rock Chalk For The Kids.” Throughout the rest of the event, students welcomed the miracle families treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics, many of which were able to share their stories and experiences with the group. These families have all benefited from the support and efforts of KUDM over the years.  For 2018 KUDM was able to raise $43,949.23 all of which will benefit sick and injured pediatric patients treated at KU Medical Center Pediatrics.

There are many Thank You’s in order. It takes many students to plan and implement such a major event, but the entire event was led by an Executive Team consisting of 12 students. Special thanks to:

Katie Bottorff, University Dance Marathon Advisor

Emily Dreager, Executive Director

Simone Light, Vice President of Internal Operations

Parker Kempin, Vice President of Business

Robert Adams, Vice President of External Operations

Sami McCormick, Director of Entertainment

Alex Collier, Director of Finance

Caroline Glocker, Director of Morale

Ellie Hardesty, Director of Family Relations

Lauren Medlock, Director of Fundraising

Jason Frederick, Director of Sponsorship

Abbie Cox, Director of Media Relations

Katelynn Maloney, Director of Deisgn

Thank you, KU Dance Marathon for your continued support of Children’s Miracle Network of Greater Kansas City!