Roarthon 2018 was one for the history books: $100,405.97 was raised For The Kids of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. It was the second time in FIU Dance Marathon history that $100,000 was raised. Being able to be a part of the team that is facilitating so many miracles was incredible.
Not many people will ever get to experience the marathon the way I did, but for the few that are lucky enough, enjoy the experience and don’t take any day for granted. Marathon Day will come faster than you think and just like that, your job as a Morale Captain will be over. We as Morale’s set up on Friday from 8am until 5pm and arrive again there on Saturday at 9am. The days are tough, you are on your feet for over 30 hours and without any sleep, but seeing the smile of a miracle child is worth all the dark circles and the soreness throughout your body the days after.
The 17 hours of the actual marathon fly by when you’re a Morale Captain. You are in charge of so many things that it is impossible to feel bored, tired, or any other feeling that may creep up at 3 am. Getting to show the dancers the line dance you’ve worked on all year and teaching it to them is fulfilling. The team practiced week after week and choreographed all the moves with purpose. It was rewarding to see it all at the end. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. The changed lives of the kids stomps any thought of giving up.
It is and always will be, For The Kids.
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Desi