DanceBlue is the annual 24-hour no sleeping or sitting dance marathon at the University of Kentucky. All of the money raised from DanceBlue goes to the Golden Matrix Fund that supports the kids of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic and research done at the Markey Cancer Center. The dance marathon raises more money with every passing year, and DanceBlue 2016 alone raised $1,631,067.49.

The 2016 marathon happened this past Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th from 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. Students from various clubs, programs, fraternities, and sororities came together to dance at Memorial Coliseum #ForTheKids. The students in charge of running DanceBlue thank the dancers and supporters countless times for coming out and supporting the cause. As someone who has danced the past two years and is madly in love with DanceBlue, I decided to write a thank you back to my fellow students who put so much work into making sure the marathon runs smoothly for us every year.

To DanceBlue,

Thank you for changing my life. You do so much to change the lives of children with pediatric cancer. You do so much to change the lives of their families, too. I just hope you know that you change the lives of the unsuspecting, too. When I came to UK my freshman year, I was an out-of-state student that had only heard of DanceBlue from the sorority girls that brought it up to me during recruitment. I knew then that it was something I wanted to get involved in, but I had no idea how big of an impact it had on this campus and would eventually have on me.

Thank you for being so generous, loving, and passionate. Seeing each and every member of the DanceBlue team work so hard year-round for this 24-hour event inspired me to throw myself into it. I knew then that DanceBlue wasn't something I could give half an effort to, and ever since then, it has affected an even bigger part of my heart with every passing day.

Thank you for giving me hope in a world that is better than today. DanceBlue made me believe in a future in which cancer is cured and life takes a turn all for the better. DanceBlue made me fall in love with life all over again, and it made me appreciative of the amazing life that I have. Blues are a little bluer and golds are a little golder in a world filled with DanceBlue.

Thank you, every chair, committee member, morale leader, and anyone else involved in making this marathon happen. Your work doesn't go unnoticed, and I want to make sure you know that we all appreciate you.

Thank you for caring about giving these children and their families a voice. I think it's safe to say that everyone's favorite part about DanceBlue is getting to hear the stories of the families toward the end of the marathon. That first-hand experience with parents and children who fight this battle is one of the most moving and emotional experiences, and DanceBlue showed me that. DanceBlue made me realize how real this battle is and how strong these families are every day of their lives.

Thank you, to the families willing to come talk to dancers during DanceBlue and share their stories. Thank you for being willing to open up your hearts and homes and give us a look into your battle, relapses, and remissions. The kids and families are the reason we dance, and hearing your stories is the greatest reminder of why we do what we do.

Thank you, Jarrett Mynear, for starting the Joy Cart and inspiring those around you to stay positive and keep fighting. Thank you for keeping a smile on your face and making it so contagious that those around you couldn't resist a smile of their own. Who knew such a small boy would have such a big impact?

DanceBlue is more than raising money, even though the money does miracles in the world. DanceBlue teaches lessons, provides support, and inspires all of the people that hear about it. It brings people together and pushes them to keep fighting and dancing until the battle is won.

Thank you, DanceBlue, for everything.