10:42 a.m., Feb. 22, 2010----The University of Delaware will host the third annual UDance fund raising event from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, at the Delaware Field House.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

UDance is a 12-hour philanthropic dance marathon dedicated to encouraging diversity, promoting unity in the community, and raising awareness about pediatric AIDS and cancer. The event has raised more than $50,000 in three years to support medical research for the families of critically ill children around the world.

During UDance, thousands of student and faculty participants dance, sing, and perform to raise money for this amazing cause. Dancers stay awake and on their feet for 12 hours in an effort to symbolize both the mental and physical challenges faced by individuals and their families affected by both cancer and AIDS. Musicians, celebrities and “miracle families” participate to inspire student dancers.

UDance benefits the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, a world leader in pediatric AIDS research and treatment, and the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.

UDance is encouraging students to form teams to raise money for these foundations. Donations can be made online at this Web page.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.

In the 20 years since the foundation began, it has become a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS by using three main strategies: funding critical research and training; launching and supporting global health initiatives to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and provide care and treatment; and advocating for children's health.

The foundation currently works in 17 countries and more than 4,500 sites worldwide.

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation honors the memory of Andrew McDonough, a 14-year-old athlete and A student from Wilmington who went from playing four soccer games on Jan. 27, 2007, to cardiac arrest and a diagnosis of leukemia and sepsis just 48 hours later.

His blood type was B+ and the family's motto continues to be, “Be Positive.”

The objectives of the foundation are to provide financial support to families of critically ill children, fund medical research for pediatric cancers and improvements in chemotherapy, spread the B+ message, and provide financial aid to families with children who want to attend Salesianum School.