Hour 1-2: It is finally starting. This 20 hour long party has begun and you are pumped to see what is in store. First up is learning the much anticipated line dance that you will be performing every hour on the hour. Sure it seems complicated, but you are beyond confident you will eventually get the hang of it. Your excitement level is through the roof.
Hour 2-5: Your spirits are still high, but your blood sugar is running low. After you chow down on some provided grub, you explore. You pass time taking pictures, coloring, playing some four square and hear touching stories from miracle families. They remind you of why you are here in the first place and you cannot help feeling emotional and humbled by these amazing kids and their families.
Hour 5-8: The hours seem to fly by and you are shocked yet thankful tiredness has not ensued. The dance floor is your haven and you look good dressed in your theme outfit, bopping around with friends. You are kept entertained with performances and drag queen competitions (obviously) and the energy from everyone around you keeps you energized and feeling great.
Hour 8-11: More food builds your stamina; you do a few wardrobe changes, freshen up, and are back on the dance floor for more line dances and freestyles. You are a little drowsy, but keeping your feet moving and your arms grooving to the silent disco you do not believe you will ever feel sleep’s wraths.
Hour 11-14: This is when it hits you. Coming in like an 18-wheeler, exasperation gets the better of you and you are just waiting for your legs to fall out from beneath. You escape to the study room for some peace and quiet. You rest your head on tables, wishing you could rest your entire body, and daydream of later hours filled with coffee and sitting. You know you have to power through however, and you give yourself a pep talk to snap out of it. You think of the kids who are fighting everyday for their lives and forget about your own pity. You can do this.
Hour 14-17: Just like that you are back to your hopeful self, changing theme outfits, and running back to that faithful dance floor. It does not hurt to have some breakfast and a much appreciated iced coffee delivered in between. You hear more from miracle families are so thankful they chose to share their journeys with you and everyone there. Their bravery is unmatched and you are overwhelmed. The hours are waning and it hits you that this amazing experience will soon be drawing to a close.
Hour 17-20: Rave hour makes you feel like you are at an EDM festival and you are taken to another place. People gather with their neon and glow sticks and jump ecstatically to the final hours of music. There is a rush of energy like never before and you can feel people’s excitement for the closing ceremony to begin. You all as a whole finally sit and awards are given out to the real MVPs of DM. Everyone expresses their gratitude to the important people in charge of making DM as successful as it was and to the inspirational kids and their families for being a part of this life changing experience. Then it happens. People on stage get ready to reveal the final fundraising amount and you finally find out that the goal of $1,000,000 was reached...and exceeded! Those enduring 20 hours of pain are forgotten and you feel blessed and honored to have been a part of something so special that makes miracles not only a fantasy, but a reality.
