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It’s well known how hundreds of IU students fundraise all year long for IU Dance Marathon, which last November donated a staggering $2.6M for the kids at Riley Hospital for Children. What may be a little less familiar, however, is how much of that IUDM total comes from high school dance marathons across the state. In fact, last year high school dance marathons across the state of Indiana have raised a record $466,999.90! An entire IUDM committee, Marathon Relations, manages IUDM’s affiliations with the high school marathons. “Weeks up until the marathons we mentor the schools and help to plan each of their marathons. At the marathon itself we teach the line dance, bring as much DM energy and spirit as we can, recruit high schoolers to participate in DM at the collegiate level, and connect with as many students as possible. We do everything we can to make each marathon whatever that specific school wants it to be. These marathons belong to the high schools and we always want to help their students to have the best time possible, while giving them the chance to find their love in dance marathon,” Michelle Turchan, Director of Marathon Relations and IU junior, said. Turchan graduated from Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, which hosted their first high school dance marathon in 2006, benefitting Riley Hospital for Children. Carmel Dance Marathon was started in honor of former Student Body President Ashley Crouse, who was an Executive Committee member of IUDM when she tragically passed away in a car accident on April 12th, 2005. Carmel Dance Marathon has since grown to become the largest high school marathon in the nation, raising $324,597.54 at their most recent marathon in February 2014. “Carmel Dance Marathon (CDM) has grown in attendance and popularity among the students in the school. It has become a year-round effort rather than an isolated event. It has become more than an event for those involved. It has become a lifestyle and a mindset of service to others,” student government advisor Sarah Wolff said. “I think that kids this age are looking for a reason or a venue to do something outside of themselves. Dance Marathon provides that for them. I think that genuinely kids ‘get it’: what it means to live for others and help those less fortunate than you, and that it can be fun and fulfilling at the same time.” Carmel Dance Marathon wouldn’t exist or be what it is today without IU Dance Marathon and Ashley Crouse, and similarly, IUDM wouldn’t be the same without the continual support and involvement from the students at Carmel High School and other marathons around the state. “Our donations go to IUDM due to our connection with Ashley Crouse. Many CDM alumni participate in and go on to lead IUDM in the future. IUDM helps facilitate CDM and assist in any way possible, from helping serve food at the marathon to providing the line dance,” Wolff said. “After participating in Carmel Dance Marathon for 4 years I knew I wanted to become a part of IUDM… My freshman year of high school I particularly remember talking to an IUDM student at our marathon and being in awe. Every year after that I thought it was the coolest thing in the world to see IUDM at our marathon. I loved everything about the fact that they took time on their Saturday to come to Carmel DM. I knew that without them I wouldn’t have had the chance to love dance marathon as much as I did. When the time came to go out for a committee I wanted to be a part of Marathon Relations because I wanted to give that same opportunity to someone that’s in high school now. I knew I owed it to them. Now as the Director of Marathon Relations, our high school students are a big part of 'why I dance'. They are my inspiration. The work I put in is for them, for I know that someone put in the same work when I was a high school student and gave me the chance to find my love in dance marathon. Thinking that my committee and I can bring that DM passion to our high school students gives me the inspiration to keep going,” Turchan said. High school marathons generally mirror IUDM’s structure, just on a smaller scale, with Riley speakers, high-energy activities, food, and a shortened version of the IU line dance. Most high school marathons span 4-9 hours in comparison to IUDM’s 36. High school students who are interested in starting a dance marathon at their school should reach out to [email protected]. Wolff’s advice on venturing into a dance marathon: “Take a risk. It will be worth it. It will be hard work, but extremely rewarding. Start small and work gradually to bigger things long-term. It isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon.” Written By Meredith Baranowski
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With about two weeks to go before the big weekend -the BIG weekend- some worry may be setting in. Perhaps even some second thoughts like “What did I sign myself up for?” and "How am I going to stand for so long?" FEAR NOT, first-time IU Dance Marathon participant, this is the official IUDM survival guide and all that you need to know before heading into the Tennis Center on November 14th. 1. Apparel Disney World may be the happiest place on earth, but IUDM would beg to differ. Make sure to wear your spirit on your sleeve- literally- and dress in your team’s color. Accessories like tutus, tall socks, headwear, face decals and more are all great options. Also keep an eye out for the IUDM theme hours, in which you and all of the other dancers dress to impress according to the chosen theme of the hours. A personal favorite from last year was Groutfit (“grey outfit”)- monochrome sweatshirts and sweatpants never looked so great or felt so cozy. To cover the basics, however, make absolutely sure that you have comfortable shoes to sport throughout the duration of the marathon. Tennis shoes are a must, but I also suggest brining multiple pairs to give your feet some variation in foot support. Cushy slippers are a great break from harder-soled options, and some people even bring heels as a way to switch their body weight to the balls of their feet for a change. Another common practice: rolling your foot over a tennis or golf ball to alleviate tension. Pop either in your bag for the marathon and thank me later. You can even get one by purchasing a care package at www.iudm.org/carepackage! Foot support may sound trivial now, but trust me, come hour 10 you will be begging to give your feet whatever break you can give them. Equally important is to wear comfortable clothing for the marathon. Leggings, socks, undergarments, and any other clothing that is too tight will undoubtedly start to pester you. A sure fire bet is to wear comfortable leggings, athletic shorts, yoga pants, or sweat pants with your spirit tank or tee of choice. Furthermore, bring some options to change into at the marathon, just in case. A sweatshirt if and when it gets chilly or shorts in case you get warm! Plus, a fresh change of clothing will feel great after dancing around in the same threads for hours on end. 2. Entertainment While there is plenty to do at the marathon itself, bringing a few items to keep you busy is a sure way to keep your mind off of your aching back and on something else. Pack coloring books, Sudoku, a football to throw around, a good read, thread to make friendship bracelets, or whatever suits your fancy to keep yourself focused. And of course, don’t forget a phone charger! Be warned that outlets will be a hot commodity during the marathon, so to cover your bases, you may want to consider bringing or investing in a portable charger! 3. Toiletries Thirty-six hour dancers get VIP access to the indoor bathroom facilities in the Tennis Center, while 18 hour dancers use the port-a-potties outside. If you are a 36 hour dancer, pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, or anything else from your usual routine that will help you feel fresh and perky. Thirty-six hour dancers even have the opportunity to shower if they please. While the line will be long for this option, come prepared with shower goods and a towel in case you decide a quick rinse is calling your name! Eighteen hour dancers: bring hand sanitizer and consider picking up the packaged, no-water-needed, to-go tooth brushes. 4. What Not to Bring Leave at home anything expensive that you won’t have on you throughout the entire marathon. You won’t want to hassle with making sure it’s safe should you decide to take it off or leave it in your bag. Yes, this is a collegiate event, but no, that does not mean that this is an opportunity to booze. IUDM is strictly a drug and alcohol free environment. We’re there for kids at Riley Hospital for Children, many of which will actually be attending the marathon and mingling with students. Anyone found to be under the influence of any substance will immediately be asked to leave the marathon. And of course, above all, leave your bad attitude at the door! DO bring a good attitude to the marathon! We’re here to participate in something larger than ourselves and stand for the kids who can’t. Don’t forget how much it means to the Riley kids and families to see you staying on your feet in their honor! 5. Consumables An entire IUDM committee is devoted to making sure you are well fed while at the marathon. And while there are frequent food rotations for you to get a snack, I will give you the heads up that portions are small. If you have a sturdy appetite (and you will while you’re standing, dancing, and burning all of those calories), bring some supplemental snacks with you. Keep them healthy and good sources of energy. You’ve heard it before: junk food will make you lethargic, while natural options will fuel you to stay on your feet. I suggest Quest Nutrition bars, apples, almonds, and other snacks of the like. In the consideration of “rather safe than sorry,” bring something like ibuprofen in case you find yourself nursing aches and pains, and band-aids for potential blisters. Finally, beware of caffeine and energy drinks. Use discretion with these stimulants and base what you decide to bring and use at the marathon on your normal caffeine needs. Keep in mind that too much caffeine can leave you feeling less than your best, not to mention the crash that may catch up with you after it wears off! 6. Miscellaneous Factoids and What to Expect - There is ample free time in between rotations to hang out with friends and meet new people! - Visitors are allowed in a gated designated area within the Tennis Center. Encourage your friends to bring you warm food, cold drinks, and motivational pep talks! - “This is called ‘Dance’ Marathon. Do we dance the whole time? Do I bring a date?” The “Dance” part of the title is attributed to a 10 minute “line dance” that you will learn part by part in large group rotations. The moves are easy, comical, and made for everyone. The “Marathon” title is attributed to the fact that you will be on your feet, whether dancing, standing, playing a game, etc, for 18+ hours - Get into the line dance! Throwing yourself into nailing the moves is a great part of IUDM and the choreographed dance and songs are always bumpin’. Dance like no one is watching because everyone else will be! - There IS a way to get time to lie down during the marathon. By buying a care package through IUDM ahead of time (they sell out). If you are a 36 hour dancer, you can get up to 4 “massage” times, or four 30 minute periods of pure bliss, lying on the ground of the Tennis Center while committee members kneed your back and legs with massage tools. Expect to pass out… immediately. - “FTK!” will be chanted repeatedly, standing for “For the Kids!” - The marathon consists of happy, sad, exciting, exhausting, and thought-provoking moments; it’s a unique, life-changing experience and you should be so proud of yourself for participating! For any other questions you may have, ask around campus or email [email protected]. You may be surprised at how many people have participated in IUDM and how eager they will be to share their experience and answer your questions. Get excited for your first IUDM and FTK! See you there! Written By Meredith Baranowski
This year, we have been so blessed and excited to welcome Nicole Martins and Andrew Weaver, two Telecom professors at IU, to our IUDM family as the new faculty advisors! While Nicole and Andrew our new to our Dance Marathon family, they have been deeply intertwined with the hospital as a Riley family since 2009, after their son Owen was born early at 27 weeks gestation, 13 weeks before his set due date in June of 2009. After being born so early, Owen had no heartbeat and was not breathing. Thankfully, the doctors were able to quickly revive him and have him airlifted to Riley, where he would spend the next four months in the NICU. While at Riley, Nicole’s and Andrew’s new baby boy would fight off two infections that would nearly claim his life, a brain bleed, and eye issues that almost caused him to go blind. After fighting through these medical issues, Owen was finally strong enough to come home a week after his initial due date. Thanks to Riley, Owen is able to now in kindergarten and is going to celebrate his 5th birthday with his parents and his baby brother Elliot! “I truly believe that if Owen was born any where else, he would not have made it. I feel completely indebted to Riley for giving me my son,” Nicole said while describing her Riley experience. Nicole and Andrew are extremely excited to participate in this year’s Dance Marathon, where they will be able to give back to the hospital that gave them a life full of joy in Owen. “Andrew and I are in awe of what you all do each year to make miracles happen for other Riley children and their families,” Nicole said. Written by Paige Hergenrother
This past Thursday night the IUDM community came together in Alumni Hall for the third annual Runway Riley. The yearly event debuts new apparel for the upcoming marathon. This event is presented by IUDM's Apparel and Merchandising committee. Riley Children showcase the new apparel by using their best modeling skills and taking the runway in the new apparel that is sold after the event is over. The night started off with a short speech from Miss Riley Lesh, a patient at Riley Children’s Hospital, where she listed the top 10 reasons you should join the IUDM family. One of the reasons being that any kid could help you meet a cute girl or boy you’re too shy to go up to. After Riley finished her speech the much anticipated fashion show began. Riley children started coming out one-by-one accompanied by committee member. Each person wore a piece of IUDM’s new apparel designed for this year’s marathon. As the kids came out on the runway we learned what they each wished for. Their answers ranged from wishing no child would ever have to go through what they went through to wishing it would rain fruit. When the show ended, the doors opened to expose a room filled with the merchandise that had been showcased by the Riley models. Floods of IUDM participants rushed in to get in line to purchase their new IUDM apparel. This year there were two sweatshirts (a blue half-zip and a white full-zip), a long-sleeved t-shirt, a short-sleeved t-shirt, and a tank top. Novelty items such as baseball caps, a Camelback water bottle, and two decal stickers. If you didn’t get a chance to attend Runway for Riley, but still want to purchase IUDM’s new apparel don’t worry, the marathon is only 44 days away and you’ll be able to purchase all of the merchandise shown at this years marathon! Written by Kaitlin Gerringer
Finding your place as a freshman can be a difficult and at times, a scary thing. With all the clubs and activities it may seem impossible to find where you truly belong. Something every freshman should take part in is Indiana University Dance Marathon. IUDM is the second largest student-run philanthropic organization in the nation, raising over $2.6 million dollars last year alone and over $17 million since it's establishment in 1991. Over the past 20 years, IUDM has become one of IU’s biggest traditions, and became a life changing experience for everyone involved. As a freshman dancer, you have the opportunity to dance for either 18 or 36 hours. While standing for that long may sound hard and strenuous, you will be able to stand strong once you see the energy throughout the tennis center. And when Riley families tell their stories, you will understand exactly why you are there. During the marathon you will have the opportunity to meet Riley children and families, hear their stories, and know how much your work and efforts change their lives each and every day. The total at the end is only the capstone to a year of friend, live and happiness. IUDM will become your family at IU and connect you with some of your closest friends. For most people IUDM becomes one of the biggest parts of their 4 years at IU. You will proudly wear the FTK, RW, and ALC initials and want to explain what they mean to anyone who will listen. Being a part of the dance is something you will remember for the rest of your life. In your first semester in college you can say you were involved in something that will change the life of a child in Indiana and ultimately changed your life. Whether you know a child whose life has been affected by Riley or not, IUDM is an inspiring experience everyone should participate in as a freshman. IUDM is November 14- 16 and you can register as a dancer now! For more information visit www.iudm.org or email the Director of Recruitment, Mitch Merritt, at [email protected]! Written by Lauren Clark For those of us who stand on our feet for 18– or 36 – hours at IUDM, we all have our motivations for going out of our way to register, dedicating our time and effort to fundraise, and staying on our feet way longer than humanly comfortable. During this season of fundraising, I encourage you to reflect on the true reason(s) you commit yourself to IUDM and the kids at Riley Hospital for Children as inspiration to keep you heading towards your goal. I asked a handful of IUDM participants, “Why do you dance?,” and compiled their answers for you here. Read on to refocus on the spirit of Dance Marathon and ready yourself for the quickly dwindling double-digit days we have left until this year’s marathon. “I dance for my little cousin Megan and all of the other amazing Riley kids!” “I dance to promote change and inspire others." "I dance because of the rewarding experience, and benefitting the children who have gone through more struggles than I can imagine. If I have the opportunity to give back, I am all in!" “I dance because I love how influential IUDM is on the IU and Bloomington community and because it helps raise money to help sick children and their families get better!” “I dance because I want to give back to those who need hope and those who might not have a chance to get better.” “I dance because it is the most joy fulfilling feeling when a bunch of people come together to love for people who they have never met.” "I dance to make a difference in someone's life." "The reason I dance is because I was involved in my high school's dance marathon (which is the biggest high school marathon) and I was really touched year by year with all the love and spirit from students coming together to raise money and awareness for such an incredible cause. I then decided to do IUDM because of how much I loved my high school’s dance marathon. I love to help people and make a difference, and to see a community of students with the same desire as me is why I dance- to make a change for the better." "I dance to remind myself of the blessings I have in life and not to take anything for granted." “I dance because it’s amazing to see what young people can achieve when we come together. It’s truly powerful.” “I dance so that the Riley kids know that we’re doing our best to fight alongside them and support them in every way that we can.” “I dance because I attended Riley as a kid and it was an amazing, amazing place.” "I dance for others who can't!" "I dance for my heroes: the Riley kids. I dance so that they can be the superstars. I dance for the smiles. I dance so that the Riley kids are able to be the superstars that they deserve to be for 36 hours a year. I dance for the families whose children/brothers/sisters know that they have endless support with the troubles they are facing or have faced. I dance for Ashley Crouse and her everlasting legacy that has changed the lives of so many people. I dance for the smile that radiates of Maison Kurmay's face when he hears his voice booming throughout the Tennis Center. And I dance for whoever is reading this, so you know that I'm here for you too, so that you know others are supporting you, I dance so that I can be a small part of an organization that makes the world a better place." No matter the differences that our reasons for dancing may have, everyone in the IU Tennis Center on that momentous November weekend shares one thing in common: we are all there For The Kids, and, for that, we will accomplish amazing things. FTK! Written by Meredith Baranowski
With many student's jobs and internships coming to a close this week, two IUDM executive council members had the opportunity to spend their summer at both Riley Hospital for Children and Riley Children's Foundation. Vice President of Finance, Allison Winstel, had this to say about her experience this summer:
Janaki Patel, Director of Riley Development, had the experience of a lifetime stating:
Wednesday, August 6th marked a big day in the IUDM Family: it was finally 100 days until IUDM 2014. 100 days until we dance in honor of Ryan White. 100 days until we dance to carry on Ashley Louise Crouse’s legacy. 100 days until we dance for the kids who can’t. I woke up with the same goal as everyone else on Wednesday, to raise $100 FTK. Paul Lannon (a fellow morale member) and I decided that a good way to raise money would be to offer to do any odd job or anything someone else didn’t want to do for a donation. A friend of mine, Samantha Miller, asked us if we wanted to do a power washing job for one of her neighbors in return for a donation from Samantha’s family. Little did we know, her neighbor has a child being taken care of at Riley Hospital for Children. At this point accepting this job was a no brainer, it would bring us closer to reaching our $100 goal for the day, but more importantly we would be helping a family going through more than we could even imagine. What we didn’t know at this point was that our power washing job would turn into a fun filled afternoon with one of the nicest, funniest, and most energetic 9 year olds on this planet, Aidan Brown. When we got to the Browns’ the whole “let’s power wash for a donation” idea quickly became the last priority on our list, and we started to become a part of something much bigger and more important than fundraising. When we met Aidan we sat on his stairs and talked about sports for probably 20 minutes until we realized we were just sitting on the stairs and could be on couches in the basement. We (Joe Chitwood and Samantha Miller also were with us) all fell in love with Aidan right away. The four of us just wanted to spend time with him and learn more about his life. One person would power wash while the other three would play xbox and talk with Aidan. Hanging out with Aidan was an incredible reminder as to why IUDM is so special and what IUDM is really about. Fundraising for IUDM is incredibly important, but when you take a step back and think about why you are dancing and who you are dancing for it always trumps the financial aspect of it. Because of IUDM we were connected with a family whose life isn’t “normal” per say. We were able to give them a normal day. The smiles on Aidan’s face and the energy he had reminded me why I dance. He reminded me why I will stand for 36 hours in 100 days. He reminded me why I will sacrifice my time for this cause. But most of all, he reminded me of the everlasting impact that the IUDM family can have on Riley Kids and their families. Aidan Brown is a 9 year-old boy with cancer who is being treated at Riley Hospital for Children. He is the biggest sports fan I have ever met and an inspiration to me. When I look back on the 100 day challenge I realize that it wasn’t necessarily about raising $100, it was about coming together as a family to provide hope for families in need. We all came together as one and raised an incredible amount of money all For The Kids. We all came together as one to provide hope and support for the Riley Families. Finally, we all came together as one, and now Aidan has a family supporting him that he doesn’t even know. We dance for the kids who inspire us. We dance for Aidan Brown. Written by Ryan Cason
Today marks 100 days until IUDM 2014. When the first committee meetings began in February, this number was 269. Since then we have seen success in the Annual Golf Outing and Spring Road Rules canning weekend, we have experienced joy with the announcement that one of our Riley kids is still cancer-free, we have made lifelong friends, and we have already made miracles happen FTK. Now, it comes down to the next 100 days, the final stretch. It is exciting, a bit scary, and inspiring knowing what we will accomplish in the next 100 days to surpass our goals, touch more lives, and stand together at IUDM for the kids. But, we will take one day at a time and gradually, then very quickly we will see the miracles come together before our eyes as the campus lights up with the spirit of Ryan White, Ashley Louise Crouse and the Riley Kids. While it is easy to want to think ahead to the next 100 days, I want to focus on just this 1 day, 24 hours, 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds. One day might seem short in the scheme of life, a year or 100 days, but the magnitude of what can happen in one day is incredible. In one day at Riley Hospital, 247 kids were cared for overnight in the Simon Family Tower and hundreds visited the Riley Outpatient Center. In one day, over 45 surgeries took place and 121 children came to the Emergency Department. In one day, 53 babies were cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the smallest one weighed only 1 lb 11 ounces. In one day, 21 Riley kids received chemotherapy and 16 tiny hearts were being carefully cared for in the Riley Heart Center. In this one day, these children were away from their homes, their friends, their schools. It takes just one day for a Riley kid's life to change when the doctors walk in with his diagnosis. But these kids are fighters. The amazing care at Riley gives each family hope that they will get that one more day, 100 more days, 10,000 more days to spend with their child. It means one more day to play in the dirt, one more day to celebrate a birthday, one more day to dream about what they will be when they grow up, and more more day to say "I love you" before bed. So then, what can we do in just one day? The potential of these next 24 hours is limitless and when the power of each and every IUDM committee member, dancer, alumni and supporter is put together, miracles truly will happen. So on this 100 day mark, the challenge is simple. We will each raise $100. This $100 represents the 100 days till IUDM 2014, but it stands for so much more. At the end of the day, it means we can look back and know that while it seemed you were giving one whole day of time spent FTK, it really means a lifetime for a kid at Riley. Written by Allison Winstel
Although it’s been five years since Casey Crouse participated in IU Dance Marathon as a student, his passion for the cause and Riley Hospital for Children continues burning strong. On Sept. 7, the 2009 IUDM president will compete in an Ironman in Madison, Wis. The money he raises through the race will go straight towards the 2014 IUDM total. Casey said he’s been competing in triathlons for three years and always wanted to step up to an Ironman distance. To train, he said he’s been swimming, running and biking “a lot” as well as taking part in other races. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and marathon run. But for Casey, the Ironman is much more than a race. It’s an opportunity to raise money For The Kids and spread awareness of Riley and IUDM. It’s also an opportunity honor and spread his sister Ashley’s legacy. Ashley Louise Crouse was killed in a tragic car accident in 2005 while serving on the IUDM executive council. To honor her caring spirit and positive influence, all IUDM apparel bears her initials, “ALC”, and the marathon is dedicated in her memory. “The entire (Ironman) fundraiser is open to anyone to be connected to Riley and with IUDM and just provide an avenue to give back,” Casey said. Casey’s goal is $50,000. So far, he’s raised $24,100. “I’m really appreciative of everything,” he said. “It’s all about just staying connected to DM. That’s my entire goal. It’s very comforting to know that I can be connected and help as an alumni.” To learn more and support Casey’s efforts, visit iudm.org/imforash. He also shares updates on his training through Facebook as well as Twitter and Instagram @caseycrouse with the hashtag #IMforAsh. Casey said even a little support - whether it’s donating money or simply spreading the word about IUDM and Ashley’s legacy – can make a big difference for his efforts, and of course, For The Kids. “Not everyone has the funds to give, but everyone can at least give the time and effort to this cause,” he said. “I’ll be out there doing everything I can.” Written by Alyssa Schor
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