"Dancing for Life" by Andrea Hubard

“Although almost two-thirds of American children are covered by private health insurance, nearly eleven million are uninsured” (Life Science and Biotechnology Update). What will happen to the eleven million uninsured? Many will not be given the treatment that is needed, but with help, some might still have a chance. Students at the University of Georgia and other schools in the southeastern area are raising money and children's hopes by joining Dance Marathon. Many non-profits are based on just raising money, but Dance Marathon is about more than that. It is about getting the kids involved. Not only is it the largest student-run philanthropy in the southeast, but it is also the fifth-largest sponsor for children's health care of Atlanta (Dance Marathon).
Dance Marathon began as a small competition held at Penn State University to raise money for local hospitals, but it quickly grew into something much more (Wikipedia). Now the actual marathon is just a grand finale for a year's worth of raising money through many different events, such as: Dance Marathon 5K, miracle family picnic, and tour of homes (Dance Marathon). Every member must raise $175 by February 9th, the night of the Dance Marathon. Last year, the University of Georgia raised $249,887.33, making Dance Marathon one of the top fundraisers of children's hospitals in Atlanta (Georgia Magazine).
These college students give up a lot more than sleep, but are rewarded with something much more valuable. “When my roommate comes back from one of her hospital visits to Atlanta, she always tells me she is sad when she first walks into the hospital, but once she starts playing with the children she realizes they don't want you to feel bad for them, they want you to help them have a normal life, and to take their minds off the hospital” (Daisy Holland). Like Daisy's roommate, many of the member's not only attend the “grand finale” dance, but are in involved in committees, that year round support the children.
Many of the students involved with Dance Marathon can relate to the cause. At one point in their lives, they themselves have been in the same situation. They have either felt what it is like to lay in the hospital bed or know a friend or a family member that has. Children placed in these hospitals need more than money to be cured; they need hope. Dance Marathon strives to give them exactly that. Every committee at Dance Marathon visits the children at the local hospitals, sometimes just so they have someone to talk to or play with. There is even an entire committee dedicated just for that purpose called the Hospital Relations Committee. These committees also show parents that there are people fighting for their child as well. Many do not realize the impact a few kind words might make on a parent watching there child experience something traumatic at such a young age (Dance Marathon). One mother expresses her gratitude in The Georgia Magazine: “Why this happened, I don’t know, but the long and short of it is that I have a hard time saying it was the worst that ever happened to us because it really taught us about people’s compassion and the generosity of people that you don’t get to see on a day-to-day basis of living your life” (Georgia Magazine).
This student-run organization allows the University of Georgia and other southeastern school student bodies to interact with each other. The only common interest they might have is the want to help the children. Along with getting to know your schoolmates, they are given the chance to make a difference in the world. These college students are getting a better view of what life is like outside the campus walls; they are given the chance to make an impact on children's lives. One mother's response when asked about what the University of Georgia's students' involvement was: “She’s become good friends with the kids at UGA. They’re really sweet. These kids don’t have children. They don’t have a point of reference for children. They’re living their 20-year old lives, but they’re living beyond that” (Georgia Magazine).
What started off as a dance marathon over thirty years ago, has turned into not only one of the largest student-run organizations nationwide, but also a year long preparation for what can no longer be called a “dance marathon,” but an entire dance movement . These college students are taking up an opportunity to help others and make a difference in the world as best as they can. They have established a sense of community, acceptance, and love. As one famous country singer explains, “and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance. (Lee Ann Womack)”

Works Cited

“Dance Marathon.” 22 Oct. 2007. GNU Free Documentation License. <www.wikipedia.org>.

Holland, Daisy. Personal Interview. 23 October 2007.

“In Step with the Dance Marathon.” Georgia Magazine. Ed. Kelly Simmons. 2007. UGA. 22 Oct. 2007. <www.uga.edu/gm>.
“Statistics on Children's Health Insurance and Access to Care.” Life Sciences and Biotechnology Update. March 1999. 2004. 22 Oct. 2007. <www.findarticles.com>.

University of Georgia's Dance Marathon. 2007. 22 Oct. 2007 <www.ugadm.org>.