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!
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!