Why were NYDM and #ftk all over your timeline?
Here is what you missed at this year’s Dance Marathon
So what is this Dance Marathon thing that has been all over social media for the past few weeks?
According to the New York Dance Marathon website, “NYDM is a year-long effort to raise awareness and funds to help fight childhood cancer. Every fall, this effort culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon.
The funds raised benefit The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, an organization which provides financial and emotional support for children and families battling pediatric cancer.
In addition, the organization provides funding for pediatric cancer research with the goal of finding a way to mitigate the physical pain experienced by those living with the disease.”
Colleges and universities across the country hold dance marathons. NYU held its first dance marathon in 2013. $126,020.66 was raised that year, followed by $252,757.68 in 2014. This year, an incredible $333,703.34 was raised.
As you may have seen all over your timelines, #ftk stands for “for the kids.” All motivation to raise money and to attend Dance Marathon stems from the desire and passion to do something to help the kids.
On Sunday from 9am-9pm Kimmel was flooded with students, volunteers, donors, and B+ Heroes along with their families. The B+ Heroes are children afflicted with cancer. Each sorority and fraternity has a B+ Hero as a sister or brother, and stick with these children every step of the way through their treatments.
They can commonly be found hanging out with their younger sister or brother. These children danced the day away and were the stars of a talent show. Performances ranged from rapping Hotline Bling to signing “Let It Go” to hitting the whip. Seeing how happy each and every hero was on stage was inspiring.
When you want to be upset or complain, think about these kids with cancer, the positive outlook they have on life and the smiles they always carry on their faces.
So next time before you want to stereotype the members of Greek Life as “the jocks who think they are cool because they wear their letters around campus and just party,” know that philanthropy is a huge part of Greek Life as a whole. One sorority alone raised over $60,000. It takes time, dedication, passion and love to raise over $300,000, but to also attend a 12-hour dance marathon.
Check out nydmnyu.com and bepositive.org to learn more and to find out how you can help such an amazing, philanthropic cause.