Emily Davis is a member of the Publicity committee.
Emma McCarthy is the Internal Hospital Events Subchair of the Carolina For The Kids Hospital & Family Relations Committee. Emma is a senior at Carolina, and has taken part in the UNC Dance Marathon all four years. After joining Carolina For The Kids in her sophomore year, she has become a dedicated member, and served in many areas of the organization. We spoke to Emma about her decision to join Carolina For The Kids, and her favorite experiences during her time within it.
How long have you been involved with Carolina For The Kids, and what committees have you been involved with?
As a first year, I participated as a dancer [in the UNC Dance Marathon]. Sophomore year, I was on the Fundraising Projects Committee. Last year, I was the Internal Relations Subchair on the Hospital & Family Relations Committee. And surprise, surprise- I’m back at it again senior year and can’t wait to help make this year the best one CFTK has seen!
How did you come to find out about Carolina For The Kids, and what made you decided to join?
Being from a small, rural town, I hadn’t heard anything about CFTK before coming to UNC. Luckily, JP Hussey, one of my first friends at Carolina, had already joined a committee. He begged me to sign up to dance, and quite honestly, I signed up, unsure what to think. 24 hours without sitting?! Well, shout-out to JP, because 24 hours later that turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had at this school. At the end of my first year, I knew I had to get more involved.
What do you believe makes Carolina For The Kids unique as an on-campus organization?
Aside from being one of the largest yet most close-knit organizations on campus, Carolina For The Kids is one of the few groups that have allowed me multiple opportunities to see and feel the impact I am making on the lives of others. You get back just as much as you give. I’ve made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
What experiences through Carolina For The Kids have impacted you the most?
While family hour at my first marathon hit me hard, I wasn’t prepared for the experiences I would have this past year as a subchair. From serving meals at Parents Night Out to making crafts and running around in the Pediatric Playroom, I was overwhelmed with the gratitude of patients and their families at UNC Children’s Hospital. My Kid Co-Captain, Alicia, has faced more operations and hospital stays than I could imagine and is one of the strongest teens I’ve ever met. I have never seen someone as excited as my marathon buddy, Jase, when I gave him a remote-control car from CFTK and he got to slide down the outdoor bouncy house. But to be completely honest, these kids and their parents have given me just as much as I could have ever given them.
What would you say to someone considering joining Carolina For The Kids?
You’re still considering?! Being a part of Carolina For The Kids is something you have to check off your Carolina Bucket List. Outside of the Dance Marathon, we hold so many fun events, benefit nights, and get-togethers that will bring you unforgettable experiences.
What is your favorite part of the UNC Dance Marathon?
Hands-down, family hour. Being able to directly see the impact you are making on children and their families is a feeling that is hard to describe. However, I also love petting the hedgehogs, watching the acapella and dance performances, outside time, pool hour (incredible incentive to raise money) and when people bring me milkshakes from Cookout! This year’s Marathon is March 23rd-24th!
As a first year, I participated as a dancer [in the UNC Dance Marathon]. Sophomore year, I was on the Fundraising Projects Committee. Last year, I was the Internal Relations Subchair on the Hospital & Family Relations Committee. And surprise, surprise- I’m back at it again senior year and can’t wait to help make this year the best one CFTK has seen!
How did you come to find out about Carolina For The Kids, and what made you decided to join?
Being from a small, rural town, I hadn’t heard anything about CFTK before coming to UNC. Luckily, JP Hussey, one of my first friends at Carolina, had already joined a committee. He begged me to sign up to dance, and quite honestly, I signed up, unsure what to think. 24 hours without sitting?! Well, shout-out to JP, because 24 hours later that turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had at this school. At the end of my first year, I knew I had to get more involved.
What do you believe makes Carolina For The Kids unique as an on-campus organization?
Aside from being one of the largest yet most close-knit organizations on campus, Carolina For The Kids is one of the few groups that have allowed me multiple opportunities to see and feel the impact I am making on the lives of others. You get back just as much as you give. I’ve made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
What experiences through Carolina For The Kids have impacted you the most?
While family hour at my first marathon hit me hard, I wasn’t prepared for the experiences I would have this past year as a subchair. From serving meals at Parents Night Out to making crafts and running around in the Pediatric Playroom, I was overwhelmed with the gratitude of patients and their families at UNC Children’s Hospital. My Kid Co-Captain, Alicia, has faced more operations and hospital stays than I could imagine and is one of the strongest teens I’ve ever met. I have never seen someone as excited as my marathon buddy, Jase, when I gave him a remote-control car from CFTK and he got to slide down the outdoor bouncy house. But to be completely honest, these kids and their parents have given me just as much as I could have ever given them.
What would you say to someone considering joining Carolina For The Kids?
You’re still considering?! Being a part of Carolina For The Kids is something you have to check off your Carolina Bucket List. Outside of the Dance Marathon, we hold so many fun events, benefit nights, and get-togethers that will bring you unforgettable experiences.
What is your favorite part of the UNC Dance Marathon?
Hands-down, family hour. Being able to directly see the impact you are making on children and their families is a feeling that is hard to describe. However, I also love petting the hedgehogs, watching the acapella and dance performances, outside time, pool hour (incredible incentive to raise money) and when people bring me milkshakes from Cookout! This year’s Marathon is March 23rd-24th!