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IUDM goes global: abroad students taking their passion to new heights - and new time zones!4/30/2015 This semester I have been studying abroad in Hong Kong.
If you have talked to me at all this past semester, you know I am obsessed with this place, and truly believe it is the best city in the world. I have also been to neat places such as Macau, Malaysia, and Thailand. The latter being the greatest vacation I have ever been on. I am talking Pad Thai every day, floating bungalows, gorgeous scenic views, and ELEPHANTS!! Yeah, I guess you could say I am having the time of my life…but something still bugs me. Every now and then I comment to my friends back home about how I am sad I missed Quals this year, or celebrating my 21st at Roy’s like any IU student should. However, they respond with the same message every time, “Dude, shut up, you’re in Hong Kong.” They’re right, because I love it. Unfortunately, nothing can quite compare to my love for IUDM though. Like you don’t understand, I do not get homesick. I mean, I love you Mom and Dad, but I have not been homesick once while at IU. The first case of being homesick occurred while in Hong Kong. It was February, and the IUDM committees had just been announced, and I was super excited to stalk all of my new PR committee members aka OPRABA family members. Then came the GroupMe. Once I was added to the GroupMe, it really hit me. All of these people have met each other, are creating bonds, are doing amazing things for the marathon while I am stuck halfway across the world. The funny thing is, the GroupMe is actually the one thing that has made me feel connected to my OPRABA family as much as ever. True, I do not even know all the lovely new folks, but I love hearing about their amazing experiences that I experienced when I first joined the committee. Hearing about cabins, tacky prom, the Ryan and Ashley Walk, and more has made me nostalgic as ever. That’s just it, nostalgia. That is the one little piece of motivation within me that has made me hold on to my beloved committee and IUDM as a whole. I envy the feeling of fun committee meetings, socials, helping others, and more than anything, raising money for the kids. I would do anything to be home right now with my little red bucket canning for the kids at the Brownsburg Kroger during Road Rules (been there twice, always get $500+). Due to this everlasting feeling, it has inspired me, along with many of my friends abroad to do something about it. I have challenged my friends back home to tell me something to do here in this wild country for a few bucks toward the kids. But honestly, the best way I have remained close to the organization is by simply wearing the apparel. Everywhere I go I get questions from people all around the world about what my shirt means, what RW/ALC/FTK mean. I light up every time someone asks, and they always sense my passion. IUDM has literally gone international. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve to spread the word about our amazing organization, and the kids we benefit. This is my way of "bringing legacy to life” while abroad. How are you doing it, wherever you are? I'm Jason DuBro, and I'm FTK!
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"Thank you for dancing. Thank you for saving my brother's life."
These words, spoken during the kick-off of IUDM 2014, will haunt me forever. They were said by a little boy whose younger brother struggled with a rare form of cancer at a devastatingly young age. I remember the tears that rolled down my face as I heard his sweet voice, so sincere and full of gratitude. It made me think of my two younger brothers, and what I would do if anything tragic ever happened to them. When I signed up to participate in IUDM last year, I knew I would be helping hundreds of families coping with kids with serious health issues. I was prepared for it to be a very emotional experience. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was the realization that a child close to me could just as easily be struck with a similar situation. Before the marathon, diseases like cystic fibrosis and leukemia felt worlds away. But to the Riley kids, these diseases are their everyday lives, and that was hard for me to wrap my head around. At first, when asked why I dance, I said that I dance for those who can't. But going into IUDM 2015, my perspective has changed. Yes, I dance to help the kids at Riley Hospital for Children who are too sick to dance. But I also do it for the kids in my life who can dance. I dance for my brothers and all my cousins; because they are healthy, but not every kid is so lucky. I pray they never have to experience the struggles too many children face at Riley's, but if they do, I know they will receive the best care possible because of the money I've raised to help fund research. I know that Riley Hospital for Children would give them a fighting chance - and that's why I dance. I'm Sarah McDaniel, and I'm FTK. Thousands of IU students spend all year looking forward to one weekend: IU Dance Marathon. Though some believe that Little 500 is the greatest college weekend in America, those people clearly have never attended IUDM. Here’s ten reasons why IUDM is truly the best college weekend in America. 10. When you participate in Dance Marathon, you’ll have no problem getting your friends to support you. If they’re not by your side dancing with you, you can get them to bring you food throughout the marathon. 9. Many people don’t wake up early enough to enjoy a sunrise, but if you’re at IUDM, you get to see the sun rise AND set. TWICE. 8. It’s not called Dance Marathon for nothing—Morale committee has worked hours preparing a hilarious line dance that you get to learn throughout the 36 hours. Some people get pumped about the dance and give it their all... while others may be struggling around the 20th hour. 7. Hanging with the Riley kids has got to be one of the greatest parts of the marathon. There’s no better feeling than hanging out with a kid that enjoys your company and wants to follow you around the Tennis Center. 6. Screaming FTK for any reason, at any time, is never questioned at the marathon. 5. When times get tough and you start to get tired, you find out who your real friends are when they offer to give you a piggyback ride. Luckily, most participants are willing to help a fellow DM’er out. 4. IUDM helps you meet friends from all walks of life—people you may not have met if you didn’t spend time dancing together! These people will prove to be your best friends even after the marathon is over. 3. The theme hours are always creative, while finding outfits and coordinating with your friends could prove to be one of the best parts of the marathon. 2. The Total reveal at the end of the 36 hours is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. Tears will be shed when you see that all your hard work has finally paid off! 1. At some point throughout the marathon, you will realize that what you’re doing truly makes a difference to the families of Riley and the other members of the IUDM community. But if after hearing all this, you still believe little 5 is the greatest college weekend in America…
Meet Frankie and Zoe. Their Riley story began when Zoe was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at a very young age. Over the years, they have spent a lot of time in and out of Riley Hospital for Children where Zoe continues to receive treatment and Frankie participates in clinicals that help the wonderful doctors at Riley save the lives of so many other sick children.
These two have been the Public Relations committee’s Riley kids for years and are the most bubbly and fun girls you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. They brighten the day of everyone they come in contact with and truly love and embrace IUDM. It has been an honor having the girls as a part of our IUDM family and PR has loved every single second of it. Frankie and Zoe attend numerous events throughout the year jump at the chance to show their support whenever they can. Today was no different as they spent the day with PR committee chair’s Ali Shears and Kathleen O’Keefe and the sisters of Theta Phi Alpha at their 4-on-4 Twister Tournament philanthropy fundraiser in support of the Bloomington Salvation Army. The girls got to enjoy the beautiful weather while having a blast on the bouncy house and inflatable twister mat. Zoe and Frankie are always life of the party wherever they go and encourage everyone to join the fun. Zoe initiated a game of tag with all of the girls while Frankie busted a move to the many Katy Perry song she requested the DJ play. After the fundraiser, the girls continued to show their love for their IUDM family by participating in the Ryan and Ashley Walk, which concluded yet another amazing Ryan and Ashley Week and honored what is the 10th year anniversary of Ashley Louise Crouse’s passing. There’s no denying how much Frankie and Zoe love being a part of IUDM and their passion and enthusiasm continue to inspire us all. I’m Sydney Howe, and I’m FTK! Every year IUDM holds an entire week to commemorate Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse. Ryan White was 18 years old when he passed away from HIV, which he contracted during a blood transfusion. Riley Hospital for Children helped him live much longer than his expected six months and made his last days on Earth the best they could be. Ashley Louise Crouse was a student at Indiana University and member of the IUDM Executive Council in 2005. One night after an IUDM meeting, she was involved in a car accident and tragically passed away. During Ryan and Ashley Week, a series of events are held to further honor everything they have done. The Ryan White Movie was shown twice during the week and the #ImForAsh campaign kicked off on Tuesday with ribbons and flyers to spread awareness about the cause. Today, April 12th 2015, marks the 10th year anniversary of Ashley Louise Crouse’s passing. This afternoon, members of the IUDM community and members of Ashley's family gathered outside of the Kappa Kappa Gamma house (the sorority which Ashley was a sister) where the annual Ryan and Ashley Walk began. Before we started, balloons were handed out and a speech was made by Ashley's brother, Casey Crouse. We walked all around campus, sporting our IUDM apparel and balloons held high. “Believe it or not, she was with you every step of the way,” Casey Crouse said at the conclusion of the memorable walk and wonderful week. And that was exactly it, with every step we took through campus today ALC was with us. Thanks to everyone who participated in this week's events. I'm Kaitlin Gerringer, and I'm FTK! When asked “Why I Dance” a list of memories run through my mind as if it all happened yesterday.
I have luckily been involved in dance marathons since I was a freshman in high school. At my high school you were not allowed to run a committee until you were a senior, so until then you were a dancer. My senior year was the year that changed everything. I was a senior chair for the Riley development committee. Not only did I see what it is really like to run a dance marathon for a high school, but also I had the chance to get to know a Riley child and his family. The Riley child was my pen pal for a few months leading up to the marathon. Before our marathon we have a “Because We Care Fair” for all children to come and play, our Riley children typically come as well. This was the first time I met my pen pal in person. Those few hours set it into perspective and made me realize why I dance. I got to play at our fair with him and his friends and family. During those moments I realized how lucky I was to be able to help run a marathon for these kids. I had always heard of IUDM because they were always at our marathons. Every year, when I saw them, I knew I wanted to get involved in IUDM. Since my high school dance marathon impacted me, I could not wait to see what my college’s dance marathon could do. When I got to the marathon at IU I could immediately feel the excitement building as we waited to be let into where the stage was and run on the red carpet. I knew I was in the right place. I was surrounded by hundreds of my classmates who were just as passionate about Riley Hospital for Children as I was. It was not until the moments before revealing the total that I realized, yet again, why I dance. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the total, some smiles and some tears. As I looked around I saw the passion and love fill the room one more time. It was a feeling I had not experienced before. So when I am asked “Why I Dance” I say, because I am passionate for an amazing cause, a cause that I love more than I could explain. I dance for the Riley kids, to give them hope and to help them forget why they need the hospital. I dance because for a weekend IU students come together to forget all outside stress to dance for those who can’t. I'm Maddie Malone, and I'm FTK! If you are a student at Indiana University, chances are you know what IUDM is. What you may not know if you’ve never participated, however, is the amount of time, effort, and heart that goes into each year’s Dance Marathon. From the moment IUDM 2014 ended, the Executive Council as well as all of the committees have been hard at work planning to make IUDM 2015 the best dance marathon this school has ever seen! We know just how hard all of the committee members have been working to fundraise, plan, and improve IUDM. And what better way to show appreciation for all of that hard work than some free food?!
The Student Athletic Board will be hosting a cookout for all IUDM committees on Wednesday, April 8th at 4 PM at the Thomas House, located across the street from the tennis center. Make sure you get there early, because the first 100 committee members to show up get FREE FOOD!!! And make sure to get all of your friends to come out and stay for the game! At 6 PM, the IU Softball team will be playing Purdue. Let’s see which committee can get the most members to come out and support the team! We encourage all committee members to come out and see which committee can get the most members to show up. Finally, an exciting announcement about IUDM will be read during the game, so you really want to make sure your committee is there to hear it! Let’s show the rest of IU just how awesome IUDM is! Show up early, grab some free food, and stay to watch the game and show your support for IU! I'm Kyra Strzelczyk, and I'm FTK! Ashley Louise Crouse was an inspiration to all who met her. By all accounts, she was caring friend, a passionate charity worker, and truly “an angel among us.” Ashley graduated from Carmel High School and went on to attend Clemson University before transferring to Indiana University. Ashley joined Kappa Kappa Gamma and quickly became involved with IU Dance Marathon. In fact, she worked her way to become Vice President of Communications on the 2005 Executive Council. Tragically, on April 12, 2005, Ashley was hit and killed in drunk driving accident outside of her Kappa Kappa Gamma home on her way back from an IUDM Executive Council meeting. Both the IUDM and IU community alike deeply mourned the loss of this selfless individual, who always had a smile on her face and an uncanny positivity about her. Ashley’s passing created a ripple effect of giving back. The 2005 IUDM raised a more for Riley Hospital for Children than ever before, surpassing the previous year’s total by a record $200,000, and making Ashley’s favorite quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” the quote of the year. The IUDM community started a commemorative annual week of its two biggest inspirations, Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse, during which an April walk starting at Kappa Kappa Gamma in her and Ryan’s honor. Ten years later, Ashley continues to inspire. Her passion and love for Riley and IUDM is memorialized in the “ALC” initials found on all IUDM apparel to remind us to be more like Ashley and aim to serve like she did. The loss of Ashley similarly ignited a movement back home in Carmel, IN as well. Carmel High School, at which Ashley served as Student Body President, began a Carmel Dance Marathon, an event Ashley would have loved. Carmel Dance Marathon has since grown to be the largest high school dance marathon in the nation. Ashley’s younger brother, Casey Crouse, who was instrumental in the development of Carmel Dance Marathon, continued his sister’s legacy at IU, serving as President of IUDM his senior year. Still today, Casey is as committed and passionate about the cause as ever. Only now he has taken on a new challenge to do what he can For The Kids: an Ironman. After training for months, Casey competed in his first Ironman last fall to raise awareness and funds for Riley Hospital for Children, fundraising over $50,000 for IUDM. Now, Casey is upping the stakes. For his second Ironman, Casey has established a goal of $250,000 FTK. Casey’s campaign, #ImForAsh, an allusion to his participation in an Ironman in her honor (“Im”), is relaunching through IUDM’s Advertising committee, who will be passing out blue #ImForAsh ribbons on campus on Ashley Day, Tuesday, April 7th to spread awareness of Casey’s honorable mission. Help Casey reach his goal by donating at iudm.org/imforash and following Casey’s journey through @ImForAsh on Instagram, Twitter, and like the page on Facebook! This year, the celebration of Ryan and Ashley week kicked off Monday, April 6th and will conclude on Sunday, April 12th with the Ryan and Ashley Walk which will begin at 3PM at Kappa Kappa Gamma. Everyone is welcome at the walk to remember these inspiring young people. We're Meredith Baranowski and Chelsea Katz, and we're FTK. Every year when students register for class, there are about 5 million buttons that have to be pressed before you actually get to your shopping cart and can ACTUALLY register for classes. But, what people don't realize is that some of the pages that we all skip through to get to our shopping cart are really important. There is a page with 5 check boxes that comes up before you get to the shopping cart, and one of the boxes is "Donate To IUDM".
Let me tell you why you should click this box. 1. ITS SO EASY! You literally just drag the mouse over to the box and click! 2. ITS FOR A GREAT CAUSE! Did you know that IUDM donates all the money raised to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. IUDM has raised over $20 million for Riley and in 2014 alone, we raised $3.2 million! 3. IT GOES ON THE BURSAR! Let's face it, every student at any college, but especially IU, loves taking advantage of charging things to the bursar. You're basically spending monopoly money, right?? 4. THE BOX IS LONELY! As a box, he lives a life on the lonesome side. Day by day, night by night, all the box thinks about is how much more fun life would be if someone checked him. You know, to make him seem important. You see, the box had a friend who was circled in, and another friend who was marked with an x. This little box wants to stand out and think it would be the coolest to be checked. The little box just wanted to be different. Check the box to end box loneliness. Check the box and embrace diversity. 5. ITS FOR THE KIDS! How can you not check a box that is literally donating money to help save a child's life?! When's the last time you helped out thousands of kids in hundreds of ways? Let's all click the box so we can all DO SOMETHING GREAT!! I'm Emily Diamond, and I'm FTK! |
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