UK students raise $2.3 million for childhood cancer at record-breaking DanceBlue
The University of Kentucky’s annual fundraising event benefiting childhood cancer treatment, DanceBlue, raised a record-breaking $2.3 million this year.
The 24-hour dance marathon celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a record-breaking fundraising total, with all funds raised going toward the UK DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic.
Participants started dancing at 8 p.m. on Saturday and stood and/or danced until the following day, though severe weather forced the marathon to end two hours early this year.
“It’s a powerful feeling to see hundreds of college students unite to serve one mission and watch all our efforts come out in this final number, knowing it will help those who need it most,” said Hannah Talley, DanceBlue’s overall chairperson.
The first DanceBlue was held in 2006 in memory of Jarrett Mynear, a patient of the clinic who died in 2002 and whose final request was to raise funds to improve the Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Since the event was founded, more than $25 million has been raised.
“Seeing DanceBlue turn 20 is surreal to us,” said Jennifer Mynear, Jarrett’s mother and a founder of DanceBlue.
“We’ve never doubted the students’ hearts, dedication and commitment, but we didn’t dream the levels that they would take it to were even possible. We are forever grateful to the thousands of students who have been a part of this dream.”