Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012

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Students paused during the "Disney hour" to make giant get-well cards for young patients in UK's pediatric oncology clinic.

With DanceBlue / Maroon Edition, teens at Tates Creek High School rallied for young patients at the University of Kentucky’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic and raised $8,120.

“If these kids can fight cancer every day, then we can stand up for 12 hours to help support them,” senior Dorian Hairston said Saturday afternoon. “It shows us the perseverance they go through every day while fighting for their lives. They can’t give up.”

Dorian and fellow Student Council members, along with the Y Club, organized the school district’s first mini marathon in conjunction with UK’s annual DanceBlue, a 24-hour fundraiser. They promoted it through fliers, the morning announcements at school, Twitter and word of mouth, and some 60 to 70 students turned out. They also shot a video during the event.

“A lot of high schools will see how many people participated and how much fun we had and want to do it themselves,” said junior Kaylan Butler.

That’s the hope of Tates Creek alumna Kelsey Giurgevich, now a senior at UK, who eventually would like to see Fayette County Public Schools host one big event. She said her alma mater’s efforts would help build momentum.

“The students really worked hard and set up most of it. They all seem dedicated and excited about it,” said Giurgevich, who has been involved with UK’s marathon throughout college. “We’re just here for guidance and support. We’re excited to get the foundation laid and help them grow it each year.”

A handful of UK students from the DanceBlue energizers team taught the Creekers a variety of line dances during the 12-hour stretch. Each hour had a different theme for music and activities, such as beach bash, carnival, fitness and rave. During the Disney hour, for instance, the teenagers made giant get-well cards for the cancer patients.

The students also passed the 10 a.m.-to-10 p.m. day shooting hoops in the gym, skipping rope, and playing cards, board games and Wii. The entire time, they could not kneel or sit down – even during lunch and dinner.

“You go all day,” Giurgevich explained. “Cancer doesn’t stop. It’s a constant battle.”

She said the mini marathon would be a morale booster for youngsters at the clinic, noting, “They know there are other kids out there doing this for them – taking their place out on the floor if they’re not strong enough to do it themselves.”

Each Creeker donated at least $50 to participate in the mini marathon, which drew a cross-section of the student body. About half the crowd was from outside the Student Council and Y Club, and sophomore Vontella Thomas knew of at least two basketball players who contributed even though they couldn’t be there because of a game commitment.

The worthy cause was ample motivation for maintaining focus throughout the marathon, according to Vontella.

“Knowing what you’re doing here is helping kids, that’s what helps you stick it out,” she said.

Did you know?

DanceBlue is a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky. The year-long fundraising effort culminates in a 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon on campus. All of the money raised by DanceBlue goes to the Golden Matrix Fund, which supports the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic and Markey Cancer Center. This year’s event is set for March 2-3. For more details, call (859) 257-9385 or email contact@DanceBlue.org.

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