As I began my freshman year of college at the University of Dayton, I knew I wanted to get involved. I am the type of person who needs to be busy “almost” 24/7. I always aspire to be apart of something bigger than myself. An organization that I have been involved with since the beginning of my freshman year is the University of Dayton’s dance marathon, also called Flyerthon! This organization has opened my eyes to some amazing ideas, thoughts, and opportunities, and I am so thankful to be apart of it. February is a pretty big month for UD’s Flyerthon, as the actual event is being held on February 18th, 2017. As part of the morale committee, we work together to help get the word out about dance marathon, come up with a line dance to teach everyone at the event, and most importantly, raise money for Dayton Children’s Hospital, a cause extremely close to my heart. Ten years ago, on January 15th (which I guess is today, wow I just shed a few tears), 2007, I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
I am so fortunate to have had such amazing doctors and nurses that took care of me at my local children’s hospital and I want to make it so each miracle network child gets that same care, which is exactly what dance marathon strives for. Right before I went to the hospital for Type 1 Diabetes, my parents gave me tickets to see the High School Musical concert. The concert was on Friday and I was let out of the hospital that Thursday. I remember this week like it was yesterday, and I don’t think I will ever forget it. At the concert, I was given my first injection since I left the hospital. I was overcome by fear, but the doctors and nurses ensured my little mind that everything was going to be okay and that I would get a hang of my new life in no time. At the end of the concert, the cast sang a song that would be the anthem of my life going forward, “We’re all in this together”. I made it my mission to ensure that I would not fight for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes for myself, but make sure more birthdays are saved and that every child battling with a disease has the care that they need. Dance marathon has given me a chance to make this mission a reality.
When I start talking about dance marathon, my eyes truly light up. It is the reason I want to work for Make A Wish one day, it is the reason why I strive to live each day with hope, and it is the reason I will be dancing for 13.1 in hopes to raise $200 for the Dayton Children’s Hospital. Last year at dance marathon, a little girl who was just ten years old spoke at the event and shared a story of how she was living life as a normal kid, having play dates with her friends, going to sleep overs, and being part of numerous sports teams, until she was admitted to the Dayton Children’s Hospital… because of Type 1 Diabetes. Standing on the side of the stage, my eyes filled up with tears and I saw my scared ten-year-old self in this little girl. Once she started talking about the care that she received at the Dayton Children’s Hospital though, I knew why I was dancing at dance marathon and why I am involved in this amazing organization.
Dance marathon will be on February 18th, 2017 and I hope you can make it and/or donate to this incredible cause very dear to my heart. Let’s dance for the kiddos who can’t, let’s dance in hopes that one day these children and their parents can be carefree, and finally, let’s dance For The Kids!
Please visit the link below to join or donate to my team!
http://support.daytonchildrens.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1001502&pg=personal&fr_id=1050
