UK Clinic Renamed for Student Group Dedicated to Its Care for Pediatric Cancer Patients
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2012) — DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, announced Friday, Dec. 7, the group is making a $1 million pledge over the next four years to the pediatric hematology and oncology clinic at Kentucky Children's Hospital. In recognition of the support, the clinic will be renamed the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic.
UK student and 2013 DanceBlue overall chair Ethan Ritter and UK President Eli Capilouto announced the plans, which include the annual fundraiser supporting renovation of the clinic. In addition, the clinic's waiting area will be renamed the Jarrett Mynear Patient & Family Area, in memory of the former pediatric cancer patient.
"DanceBlue's $1 million pledge will help in continuing our tradition of providing the Commonwealth of Kentucky the best possible cancer care for pediatric patients,” Ritter said. “The passion this campus has for making such a notable difference in the lives of so many is what keeps us thriving."
DanceBlue is UK’s 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon that benefits the Golden Matrix Fund and the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Since 2006, DanceBlue has raised more than $3 million for the pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and cancer research. DanceBlue originated in 2004 when Jarrett's mother, Jennifer Mynear, led a forum about the possibility of starting a dance marathon at UK. Mynear’s son, Jarrett, died at the age of 13 after an 11-year battle with cancer.
“Whether it is the promising graduates we create through education and opportunity; the knowledge we create through research and discovery; or the hope we create by uplifting communities and healing Kentucky families — the University of Kentucky strives to create a bright future for those we serve,” Capilouto said. “Today, we are announcing another milestone for one of our students’ most impactful creations: DanceBlue. Through it – and through this gift – UK students provide hope and care to clinic patients and families, and reaffirm their commitment to raise awareness and resources to fight the scourge of childhood cancer.”
UK's Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology provides diagnosis and treatment for children with cancers and blood disorders with the most advanced medicine by a team of highly skilled specialists in hematology and oncology.
"Providing the best patient care possible for Kentucky's children is our mission at Kentucky Children's Hospital," said Dr. Carmel Wallace, chair of the UK Department of Pediatrics. "To have the passion and support of UK students as well as families like the Mynears is a tremendous asset to us in providing the highest level of treatment and compassion for our patients and their families."
Earlier this year, UK welcomed Dr. Lars M. Wagner as the new chief of the Division of
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
"It was during the interview process for this position that I learned of DanceBlue and was immediately impressed by the tremendous work and commitment of the UK students," Wagner said. "In just a few short months here at UK, I already have had a chance to work with students and witness their love and dedication to DanceBlue, this clinic and the patients we serve. I look forward to the great things to come due to their efforts."
Over the years, hundreds of UK DanceBlue student volunteers have worked with the families and patients and a strong bond has formed between DanceBlue participants and the clinic. This year's event is set for Friday, Feb. 22 at UK's Memorial Coliseum.