As many of you may know, SMC Dance Marathon was held this past Saturday in Holy Cross Gym. This is a huge fundraising event to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital right here in Indiana! Riley is one of the nations best children’s hospitals and is home to the state’s largest pediatric research program. Riley is so special because it offers such a warm and welcoming environment for kids and their families, and provides them with the treatment they need.
I was introduced to Dance Marathon during the first weeks of this school year. I didn’t know if I wanted to become a committee member just yet, but was immediately enthralled with the DM mission and energy that is put into this event every year. In addition, children’s hospitals in particular have always had a place in my heart. There is something very special about the people who work at children’s hospitals, because their main priority is to give these young people a chance at the life they deserve.
On a more personal note, I have had first-hand experiences with the children’s hospital in my hometown, Dayton Children’s. Almost 9 years ago, my big sister Abby was a patient at Dayton Children’s Hospital as a 12 year old with a brain tumor. She had brain surgery a few short days after the discovery of the tumor. My family was stressed to say the least, and feeling a certain sense of hopelessness. The doctors and nurses at Dayton Children’s were diligent in their work and persistent in their care for my sister. After a terrifying experience like admitting your sister to the hospital for brain surgery, I have become so much more appreciate of good health, and people who work to become these great medical professionals! It makes me want to help out that much more, because I know how these families are feeling.
Saint Mary’s Dance Marathon gave me the opportunity to directly help the lives of kids who are just like my sister, and many with even more critical cases. I cannot think of a better cause to put my hard work and dedication towards. This is why I am “For The Kids”. Participating in Dance Marathon only strengthened this passion because I got to hang out with some of the Riley Families and hear personal accounts of their experiences with Riley. A full day of dancing, fundraising, laughing, and crying could not have been more worth it. I absolutely cannot wait to take part in SMCDM next year!