On Friday, Feb. 20, UW-La Crosse fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon held a dance marathon in Valhalla in Cartwright Center to raise money and awareness for children’s cancer. The dance marathon ran from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
In addition to dancing, there was also food, Wii games and arts and crafts. The main stage in Valhalla had a DJ playing classic rock music, such as Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Strobe lights and black lights reflected off the neon clothing that many of the participators were wearing.
People who wished to participate in the marathon had to sign up online and could then donate if they chose to. There were also donation buckets at the event that people could contribute to.
SAE president, Jake Rogers, said that every dollar of the money raised goes to a local Children’s Miracle Network hospital (Gundersen Health System in La Crosse).
“The money goes to the families of patients to help cover travel costs,” Rogers said.
So far, over $62 million and counting has been raised to aid in children’s cancer. Dance marathons are held all over the country at college campuses to aid in this effort. Here are some striking statistics about children’s cancer:
Currently, over 13,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer (that’s more than an entire classroom of children per day)
35,000 children are currently in treatment for cancer
Cancer kills more children than AIDs, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined
More children die of cancer every year than adults died in 9/11.
UW-L freshman and participator in the dance marathon, Natalie Krosschell, said, “I think it’s great that we as college students can participate in events like these that go toward such a great cause. I will definitely be participating in the dance marathon again next year.”
Abby Oettinger, another participator in the dance marathon, said, “I had a ton of fun raising money and awareness for children’s cancer. I think this dance marathon is just one example of many here on campus where we can all get together and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
The SAE felt that the first annual dance marathon at UW-L was a huge success. Over $4,000 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network at Gundersen.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped us organize, prepare, and put on this first ever dance marathon at UW-L. We cannot wait to start planning the next one for next year and to continue raising money for every child that needs it,” a representative from SAE said.