Junior public relations major Samantha Crone debuts as a guest blogger for the DN_Campus.
Last Saturday was the fifth annual Ball State University Dance Marathon. This was my first year attending. I was excited about the event, but to be honest, I was afraid that it wasn't going to live up to my standards. I was concerned that it would lack in participation, be unorganized and that I would be awkwardly dancing for 12 hours. Fortunately, it was so much better than that!
I arrived 40 minutes early and I had to wait outside because the registration line was so long. The line moved fast, though. There were signs leading everyone in the right direction and there was always someone in sight so all questions could be answered.
I wore a simple pink V-neck to represent my team. As I the line moved forward and I entered the gym, I realized how underdressed I was. My fellow dancers were taking this very seriously. Whatever color they were representing, they were repping it to the max. There were hundreds of tutus, fanny packs and sunglasses.
The atmosphere was lively. Music was playing and people were dancing. It wasn't like any other philanthropy or charity event I had ever seen. Everyone was excited, laughing and having a great time.
I was still a little hesitant at this point. I looked a little too normal and I couldn't figure out why everyone was wasting their energy. We were about to spend 12 hours dancing — it was clearly time to conserve any energy we had.
The turning point happened right about then. A man walked on the stage directed us to make two lines and to form a tunnel. He then announced the name of one of the Riley kids that we were sponsoring as he ran though our tunnel. One at a time, he announced several other Riley patients. As they each ran through, we cheered them on and gave them high-fives.
It was amazing. It suddenly occurred to me why all of the dancers were so excited. The children were here because of us. Although their lives were difficult they were smiling, happy and thankful that we were here for them.
Once all the Riley kids went through, we all took a knee. We made a promise to wouldn't sit for another 12 hours. Then two of the Riley Children told us their stories.
I teared up. It was unbelievable how strong these children were. They credit Riley and the Dance Marathon for a lot of their accomplishments. I was embarrassed; I had always thought that Riley was for cancer and we were dancing for cancer. But Riley is so much bigger than that. Some of the children we met had spina bifida, severe burns, osteosarcoma, aortic stenosis, eye disorders, leukemia or asthma.
The night was filled with this sort of activity. The morale team taught everyone a line dance and on our breaks we would hear another story of another Riley patient. Other activities included talent performances by the Riley children and Zumba.
It was an empowering night. It wasn't just about donating money. BSUDM gave everyone a chance to show survivors and patients that we care. I learned about the lives of so many children and I was touched by their strength.
It was life changing to be able to stand for the Riley kids who can't. I hope that one day everyone can have an experience like this.
Did you attend BSUDM this year or in the past? Who did you dance for or why do you want to be a part of it next year? Let us know and be sure to follow our DN_Campus account.
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