Trang Dinh is a member of the 2021-2022 Public Relations committee.

The UNC Dance Marathon (DM) is such a crucial year-long fundraising effort that CFTK hosts to support the patients and families at UNC Children's Hospitals. From Dancer Recruitment Week (DRW), we recruited a substantial number of dancers and the executive board, sub-chairs, and committee members all worked extremely hard and dedicated their time to raise money and to ensure the success of DM. Since there are a lot of new dancers and members who have never attended DM, we thought it would be a great idea to provide insight from our Public Relations Chair: Madison Gilder, our E-Writing Chair: Madeline Leung, and Public Relations Committee Member: Chloe Yopp. 

For those experiencing the UNC dance marathon for the first time this year, what would you say to them? 

Chloe: Dance Marathon is like nothing else you’ll ever experience. During my freshman year, I was super nervous about the idea of a marathon, but it was such a great way to build a community and feel like a part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re hesitant, just do it! It’s on the UNC bucket list, a great way to meet people and you’re supporting the patients and families of UNC Children’s. And don’t worry— there’s A LOT more to do than just dance! 

Madeline: Make the most of it!! Since COVID has really changed the dance marathon for the last 2 years, we are so lucky to be able to do it in-person this year. With that being said, we should really make the most of the opportunity. Have fun, eat lots of food, and join in for the cause. 

Madison: I would say try to enjoy every moment! Marathon can be hard and tiring to get through since it's so many hours on your feet, but it really pays off to know all of the good you're doing is for the patients and families at UNC Children's.


What is your favorite dance marathon memory?

Chloe: During my first marathon, I had no idea what to expect. I’d heard things about what it was like, and stories from other committee members, but I couldn’t quite picture what it would be like. A few hours in, I was exhausted but having so much fun. It was the middle of the night and they ushered us all outside to Hooker Fields. When we got out there, what else did I see except for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream! It was such a fun moment to have ice cream in the middle of the night and play games on the fields to boost the energy and morale of all the dancers! 

Madeline: N/A 

Madison: My favorite DM memory is family hour. My freshman year, you got to interact with the people we supported and hear their stories and it was heartwarming to see them and how we have helped them personally.


Why should people sign up for dance marathon and what lessons and experiences can be taken from the event? 

Chloe: Dance Marathon is such a unique experience that you can’t recreate. It’s fun, exhausting, energetic, impactful, silly, and heartwarming all at the same time. I think everyone should go through the experience to be a part of a group working towards a bigger cause, and to experience UNC and its campus in a way that’s different from any other time. As far as lessons learned, I think the marathon gave me a deeper appreciation for what the families of children in the hospitals go through. Being able to hear directly from the children and families during the last hour of the marathon really makes it all worth it. If you’re hesitant about participating, I’d urge you to take the plunge because you’ll come out of it with an experience that’s nothing like you’ve ever had before.

Madeline: ​​Because it’s fun and the money is for a good cause! A lot of people get intimidated by the money they must raise, but it’s important to remember how valuable this money is/ the cause it’s going towards AND that you are getting a reward out of it as well! Meals, performances, friends, and fun are all part of the marathon, and it really is a rare and unique experience. Standing for 12 hours symbolizes our honor for the patients, families, and hospital staff that are burdened by physical and emotional troubles every day. As students, we can recognize our privileges and stand for those who don’t have what we do. 

Madison: People should sign up because it's our first one in person in years and an UNC bucket list event! Participants will be able to spend time with friends, meet new people and get involved in the communities both at UNC and in the hospital.


If you could describe dance marathon in one word, what would it be? 

Chloe: Impactful

Madeline: Surprise 

Madison: Inspiring: seeing so many students to come together for one great cause is a great feeling.


Sign up for the 2022 Dance Marathon here!

​​​If you are like me, maybe the idea of advertising and social media management interests you. As a first year student at Carolina, I joined the Public Relations committee on a whim. I honestly did not know much about the organization at the time, and simply thought that Public Relations sounded fun (despite the fact that it was not related to my major or future career plans). After two years on the committee, I have come to love everything that goes into Public Relations and really enjoy the work that I do! 

On the other hand, you can very well find a committee that can advance your skills or align with your academic interests. A student who wants to pursue graphic design in the future may join the Creative Media committee to get that extra experience. Or a student who wants to become a doctor may join the Hospital & Family Relations committee to get more involved with the administration at UNC Children’s. Either way, there is great value and fun in being a committee member. 

The plethora of committee members that make up Carolina For The Kids is what keeps our organization running each year and we could not do it without them! Whether you join a committee to help build your skills or to learn some new ones, we welcome you with open arms. After all, all of the organization’s members have one common goal: to improve the lives of patients and families. We are always for the kids! 

​If you are interested in learning more about each committee, click here. Committee Recruitment Week is happening from August 30th to September 3rd - you can find us in the Pit all week!

     
​     Carolina For The Kids is full of selfless members who are always giving their committees, as well as the organization, their absolute best. Cheryl Phillips, the 2020-2021 chair of the Public Relations committee, is one of these exceptional members. Her committee was in charge of running all social media channels, reaching out to reporters, getting coverage for major events, as well as keeping the blog and website updated. As the chair, Cheryl was in charge of coordinating between different committees in CFTK and other members of the executive board. Due to the shift of making everything virtual this year, Cheryl had to take on new responsibilities of getting engagement for these virtual events and making sure everything runs smoothly. Frankly, she has mastered breakout rooms better than some of our professors ever will after all of the weekly meetings she was in charge of running. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to situations and running with them, similar to what we all did for Kilometers for the Kids.
    When asked why she chose to join in the first place, she was candid with her response telling how it was on a complete whim. She feels lucky that she chose “the best student organization out there” and truly gets to see the incredible impact that this club is making. Seeing first hand how the patients and community around Chapel Hill have been affected in positive ways by CFTK’s contributions is rewarding for her and the reason why she is so involved.
    She strongly recommends this club to anyone and everyone and believes that CFTK is not only her home but offers the same warmth to anyone. Though the Public Relations committee is where she personally has exerted her time, she emphasizes the fact that there are so many committees that can fulfill diverse interests. The people that this club has brought, as well as the learning skills, is an experience she would never trade. Not only have the people in the club made her experience but the families from PNO and other wonderful people she works with. She is nothing short of excited for what is to come for the future of Carolina For The Kids and hopes that everyone else is too!    ​

​Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women have dealt with many unique concerns. While there are many organizations that support families in tough situations, like Carolina For The Kids, mothers-to-be also need lots of love and encouragement from their friends and families right now. Are you wondering how you can give your pregnant loved one the reassurance she needs? These resources are packed with advice!

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Classic Celebrations

Gathering in person to celebrate pregnancy milestones is not recommended at the moment. But you can contribute as your loved one plans for alternatives. 

• Don’t outright cancel your loved one’s baby shower — just shift the festivities to a virtual platform!
• Help your loved one come up with a safe and fun way to reveal their baby’s gender online. 
• Is your loved one nervous about hiring a maternity photographer? Pick up your camera and plan a socially distanced, outdoor shoot with her.

Assisting With the Birth Plan

Creating a birth plan with the pandemic in mind can be challenging. These resources will allow you to help your loved one navigate her options. 

• Go over necessary precautions for doctor’s visits with your loved one if she is nervous about going to her appointments during the pandemic.
• Your loved one may be thinking about choosing a home birth. Discuss the benefits and risks together to help her make the best decision for herself and her baby.
• Talk to your loved one about giving birth at a birthing center, which can be a good middle ground between a hospital or home birth.

​Giving Helpful Gifts

Shower your loved one with affection by giving her a thoughtful and useful gift! If you’re stuck for ideas, these suggestions might inspire you. 

• Looking for an affordable, homemade gift option? Create DIY stress balls for your loved one!
• Make your loved one feel beautiful by gifting her a lovely maternity nightgown that she can wear while nursing her baby.  
• Think about small, useful items that your loved one would appreciate, and assemble a postpartum gift basket that can be sent to the hospital. 
• What are your loved one’s favorite meals? Cook and package freezer-friendly dishes that she can heat up after her baby arrives for convenience.

This pandemic has been a trying time for pregnant women. Trying to plan for motherhood and protect your household from the virus is a difficult task. That’s why it’s so important for friends and relatives to go the extra mile for their pregnant loved ones, and with these resources, you’ll be a crucial part of her support system!

Interested in supporting an organization that supports children and families? Carolina For The Kids raises money for patients and their families at the local children’s hospital. Find out how you can get involved! 

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