UDance sets record
Photo courtesy of UDance March 13, 2017
UDance raises $1.89 million in fight against childhood cancer
UDance, the largest student-run philanthropy at the University of Delaware, presented its 11th annual 12-hour dance marathon on Sunday, March 12, at the Bob Carpenter Center and raised a record amount of $1,890,337.16 for the fight against childhood cancer.
The theme for this year’s dance marathon was “Wild About Finding A Cure.”
UDance began at 9 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m., with the reveal of the monetary amount that UD students and the community have raised over the past year.
The jungle theme encouraged students and B+ Heroes, children battling or who have battled cancer, to "monkey around" for all 12 hours. Participants were able to donate hair to cancer patients and dance along to a silent disco, and had the chance to interact with B+ Heroes and enjoy many performances on stage.
Parents also took the stage to give "equally heart-wrenching and heartwarming testimonials that makes the reason why the dance marathon is held evident," a UDance representative said.
The B+ Hero Talent show, which the crowd loved, followed, and the B+ Heroes were given their chance to shine.
The money raised by UDance will benefit the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, a Wilmington-based charity founded in honor of the late Andrew McDonough.
Andrew McDonough battled leukemia at the age of 14 for 167 days before passing away in July 2007. The foundation was named after his blood type, B+, and honors the way that he lived, with a positive outlook and an upbeat attitude.
Spirits were high for all 12 hours, a UDance representative said, as the event unites students, staff, families, local businesses and the greater Delaware community under the shared principle of a childhood free of cancer.
About UDance Dance Marathon
UDance believes college students have the ability to end childhood cancer. The organization is built on a foundation of hope, unity, perseverance and passion. Its work inspires thousands of people to raise awareness and funds to battle the vicious disease.
By hosting engaging events year-round, UDance fosters mutually motivational relationships between University of Delaware students and local families affected by pediatric cancer.
UDance financially aids families nationwide and funds cutting edge research studies that have already saved lives.
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