There is a new organization on campus that holds a national fundraising total upwards of $20 million. Dance Marathon is a nationwide initiative under the umbrella foundation of Children's Miracle Network. Over 200 schools hold up to 24-hour overnight dance marathons that fundraise to benefit pediatric efforts. The money directly benefits kids afflicted with anything from traumas and cancer, to heart disease. Locally, San Diego State University's Dance Marathon will benefit Rady Children's hospital -- the largest pediatric hospital in California based on patient admittance.
So what? There are hundreds of organizations on campus, hundreds of campus initiatives, hundreds of varying interests, so what makes this one so special? Besides the fact that dance is in my veins and intertwined with my every heartbeat, all that cheesy passionate stuff is why I joined the executive board of Aztec Dance Marathon. For The Kids -- FTK -- is the motto dance marathon has adopted for those who volunteer their time and fundraising efforts to be on their feet for the kids who cannot be. While touring the hospital, today, I learned that Rady Children's is innovative: the entire hospital is designed to be familiar, accessible, intriguing, and safe for the thousands of kids who come through daily.
From the kid-sized chairs and the themed floors, to the staff who help children understand their ailments through stories and video game and cartoon references, this hospital goes above and beyond. Rady Children's is invested: you are more than a patient when you walk through the doors; you are a human who deserves love and affection. They hold NICU reunion parties and have guest appearances from the penguins at sea world. Rady Children's is advanced: they are a teaching hospital and are ranked nationally and internationally in 10 pediatric specialties.
Their hospital sees patients throughout California to Yuma, Ariz., and no child is turned away regardless of insurance status. Are you impressed, yet? During my hour- long tour, I had to consciously purse my lips together to prevent my jaw from dropping to the floor on multiple occasions as I learned more and more about this phenomenal institution. I could not possibly encapsulate the widespread impact this hospital carries in one single blurb, but if you are inspired at all by their efforts I have a proposition for you.
San Diego State's Dance Marathon takes place on Mar. 6, and you can join us for a night of entertainment, games and stories from families at Rady's, food and, of course, dancing. From Zumba to an all-night DJ and a hype crew that promises to keep you stoked from start to finish, this is an event you cannot miss. The registration fee is $12 and the organization asks that you partake in fundraising efforts to benefit the cause. To date, there are over 100 dancers registered and almost $5,000 raised for Rady's. The link to sign up can be found here.
For more information, look out for Aztec Dance Marathon on campus at their promotional events as the event draws near. You can always follow them on social media platforms at aztecdancemarathon or on Facebook at Aztec Dance Marathon. There is a new organization on campus, folks, and they are doing it for the kids.
