The Many Faces of UNCDM 2019’s Kid Co-Captains

Sydney Mason is a 2019 committee member of Public Relations Committee. 

As dancers near the tenth hour of the Marathon, the drooping eyelids, sore feet, and tired legs are beginning to set in. As hard as it can be to keep up the will to stand as the second half of the Marathon approaches, it’s important to remember what everyone is here for.

Following tradition, UNCDM 2019 will feature the Kid Co-Captains, or as they’re known in CFTK lingo, the KCCs. These kids come from all over the state and county and are involved with UNC Children’s either as patients or siblings of patients. Many of them have been coming to the hospital for years, and some have made joining the Marathon a tradition as well.

All of our KCCs bring a unique perspective and story to the Marathon. Some of them were in the hospital for only a brief stay, but have stayed with CFTK ever since. Others began their journey in UNC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and while many continue to require chronic medical care, they also find time to bring their can-do attitudes to the Marathon. Even more are siblings who have had to see their loved ones go through something that most people will never understand. But despite this, they make sure to share their positivity with their siblings, their loved ones, and the dancers here tonight.

Whether they find their home at CFTK as patients or as siblings, these kids are a great reminder of the impact every dancer at the Marathon has. For many of these families, the chronic hospitalizations become daunting, both emotionally and financially. Every penny raised for the Marathon through dancer fundraising, sponsor donations, and other sources goes towards alleviating some of this burden.

​So every time you feel your feet start to hurt or you’re wishing you had your pillow with you, remember that our wonderful KCCs are going to be here before you know it (in less than 12 hours!) to remind you of the meaning behind the 2019 UNC Dance Marathon. Keep it up everyone!