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All last week, IUDM remembered and celebrated the lives of Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse. Everything culminated Friday afternoon with the annual “Walk to Remember”, where IUDM committee members joined together for a walk around campus, similar to what was done following Ashley’s untimely death in 2005. It was a picture-perfect day, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s. Committee members hugged, reunited and took pictures with their own committees and with friends on other committees as they waited for the walk to start. Students could sign posters, writing down what they think of when they thought of Ryan and Ashley. Those posters will be given to the White and Crouse families to show that their legacies live on through IUDM. Before the walk actually began, Chris Holland president of the IUDM Alumni Board, told everyone that one of the things that makes IUDM so special is the community it creates. We were walking to remember Ashley as a member of our family. The walk began in front of the Kappa Kappa Gamma house, where Ashley was a member and very close to where the tragic accident occurred. From Kappa, we walked from Third Street to North Jordan Avenue and continued all the way up Jordan, past all the Greek houses and through the Jordan extension. Once we reached the end of the extension, we took Fee Lane to 10th Street and came down Woodlawn Avenue. We walked around the Indiana Memorial Union and past the Sample Gates before turning down the final stretch of Third Street and returning to the Kappa house. My favorite part about the walk (well, besides the exercise) was reconnecting with old friends and getting to know a few members of my own committee a little bit more. It took about 90 minutes to complete the walk, but with the beautiful weather and members of the IUDM family by my side, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Written By Alyssa Schor
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When Ashley Louise Crouse’s life was tragically taken by a drunk driver, the IU community mourned her loss. Fast-forward nine years, and her spirit still strongly lives on through the work of IUDM. On April 12th, the anniversary of her heartbreaking accident, there was no better way to honor Ashley then to run or walk in remembrance for her, for Ryan and For the Kids. The 2nd annual FT5K run/walk brought many IU students, Bloomington community members and even state wide participation to the red tailgating lot on Saturday morning. To help community members who were not aware of IUDM to understand the mission of the organization, the Ditz family was invited to speak the morning of the event. Their story, like many other families, highlighted how Riley Hospital for Children changed their lives. A brand new course design, prizes and entertainment are a few examples of the changes that took place to make the FT5K a continuing and successful event. After the participants traveled down Fee Lane, up Jordan Avenue and down the Jordan extension, they were greeted at the finish line with ice-cold water, bagels, and fruit. Participants were then encouraged to watch some of the musically talented IUDM committee members perform on stage as well as help congratulate the top three male and top three female finishers as they received their prizes. The unusually high temperatures and clear skies brightened the atmosphere to the already joyful attitudes of participants who ran and walked. With the FT5K being a stepping-stone for the marathon in the fall, it gave a clear indication into the organization’s drive to make this marathon the best one yet. Written by Maddie Wojtalewicz Nine years ago, on April 12, 2005, the Indiana University campus suffered a tremendous loss. Ashley Louise Crouse, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and IUDM Executive Council, became our angel. On her way home from her IUDM meeting, Ashley was struck by a drunk driver outside of her Kappa home. For those who knew Ashley, they will always remember her warm smile, welcoming personality and passion for life. As VP of Communications on the IUDM Executive Council, Ashley worked hard for a cause she believes in. Ashley's hometown of Carmel, Indiana has joined with IUDM to create one of the most successful high school dance marathons in the country. We honor her life and the way she lived by wearing her initials, ALC, on all IUDM apparel and literature. When you see Ashley's initials, remember to live each day to it's fullest and to never stop reaching for your dreams. Her legacy will continue to live on our hearts and minds. Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM) was established to memorialize the courageous life and story of Ryan White. Ryan was a typical 13-year-old Hoosier when he contracted AIDS through contaminated blood transfusions he received for hemophilia. When news of his diagnosis became public, his school district in Kokomo, Indiana denied him the right to return to classes. The ensuing court battles made headlines across the country and national celebrities like Michael Jackson and Elton John befriended Ryan and advocated on his behalf. Ryan was not just fighting against his school district, but a fearful, misinformed community. Ryan won the right to return to school, but this battle with the community and the disease itself had just begun. The White’s struggled through many traumatic experiences at the hand of the people in their community. The family dealt with the fear and anger of these people on a daily basis hoping that eventually things would return to normal. However, after a bullet was fired into the White home, the family moved to Cicero, Indiana, where they found peace. Throughout his own struggles with the disease and public misconceptions, Ryan spoke out. He combated bigotry with calls for compassion and appeared at schools and fundraisers across the country. He even testified before the President’s Commission on AIDS. After a courageous struggle, Ryan White died on April 8, 1990, the spring before he had planned to attend Indiana University. His fight to help those afflicted with infectious diseases is continued, in part, by the Indiana University Dance Marathon Council. In memory of Ryan’s life and work, the annual Dance Marathon benefits Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and established the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center. Since it's establishment in 1991, IUDM has gone on to become the nations second-largest student run philanthropic organization and raise more then $17 million for the center. Every day hundreds of students continue to fight in honor of this brave young man. Rest in Peace, Ryan. You will forever live in our hearts. In 2013, Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM) raised over $2.6 million on behalf of Riley Children’s Foundation; the organization has also been recognized as the second largest student-‐run philanthropic effort in the United States. That being said, IUDM presents Indiana University students with an incredible opportunity to get involved and showcase their talents. Positions are offered on Committees ranging from Public Relations and Accounting to Catering and Recruitment. When planning a 36‐hour event, a wide variety of skills are needed. You may even want to just dance! These positions offer a multitude of opportunities to support a cause that directly impacts the lives of children treated at Indianapolis’ Riley Hospital for Children. Moreover, IUDM is a great opportunity to meet fellow students devoted to the idea of standing for those unable to stand for themselves. Social events such as the FT5K, Rockin' For Riley and the Gala—held in October—allow participants to make new friends have fun all while helping a great cause. Leadership positions are available to talented candidates hungry to make a difference and embody the mission of Indiana University Dance Marathon. You are strongly encouraged to apply for IUDM 2014 if you wish to experience a cause that will truly change your life. Dancer positions are now open and awaiting for you to start your Dance Marathon journey. Come join the family and learn what FTK is all about! There will be dancer call out meetings Sunday, April 6th and Sunday, April 27th at 7:30 in Woodburn Hall! For more information, please visit our website at www.iudm.org and if you are interested in becoming a dancer please contact Mitch Merritt at [email protected]! Written by Jonathan Fishman
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