UK student shares year-long effort to ensure joy prevails as DanceBlue turns 20

In this 2015 video, see how a child’s desire to spread joy to fellow cancer patients at the age of 9 ended up inspiring DanceBlue at the University of Kentucky. Video produced by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the “thought bubble” in the same area.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2025) — Makenna Deaton, a student in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky, shares her story below in working with DanceBlue while reflecting on 20 years of this important and beloved UK tradition.

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This spring, DanceBlue celebrates 20 years of dancing and fundraising for DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. The University of Kentucky nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending pediatric cancer. Through year-round fundraising efforts and its signature 24-hour dance marathon, DanceBlue unites the community and UK students to support this vital cause.

Founded in 2006, DanceBlue is rooted in the story of Jarrett Mynear, a patient at the clinic. While receiving treatment for a rare bone disease, Jarrett created Jarrett’s Joy Cart, a philanthropic initiative designed to bring joy to other children facing similar challenges.

During his final week of life, Jarrett made one last request to his mother, Jennifer Mynear: to raise funds for the Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic so that other children and their families could experience the joy and support he had during his treatment. DanceBlue honors Jarrett’s legacy, ensuring that the joy he spread continues to impact those facing the unimaginable. Watch the video above to learn more about Jarrett’s story.

While DanceBlue culminates in the 24-hour dance marathon, the students who are part of the effort start working on the event long before the first participant hits the dance floor.

As the school year begins in August, team registration for DanceBlue opens. Greek organizations, student clubs, UK colleges and other campus groups are encouraged to register teams to raise funds for and participate in the 24-hour dance marathon.

I first learned about DanceBlue through my sorority, Alpha Phi, when we formed a team to fundraise and earn spirit points for participating in the marathon. I knew I wanted to get involved with DanceBlue because I have seen friends and loved ones diagnosed with cancer and witnessed their struggles. I wanted to be part of something that could make a difference, positively impact the community and support a deeply personal cause.

In my junior year at UK, I decided I wanted to join the 24-hour dance marathon for the first time. I raised money, contributed to fundraising events and gained year-round spirit points for my sorority. Once I participated in the marathon, I knew I wanted to do more with DanceBlue, and it led me to being one of the team captains for Alpha Phi’s DanceBlue team for the following year.

Once I was named a team co-captain, we began recruiting dancers for our team at chapter meetings. We took the opportunity to educate our sorority members about DanceBlue — what it is, how to get involved and our personal experiences with the event. We also emphasized how their participation could make a meaningful impact on the Lexington community. Our role as team captains is to recruit dancers and earn spirit points, contributing to the team’s eligibility to participate in the marathon. To take part, each dancer must meet the required fundraising goal.

When teams register, captains participate in biweekly meetings with DanceBlue leaders. These meetings are designed to support captains in leading their teams effectively. Captains receive updates on spirit points events organized by DanceBlue, guidance for planning their fundraising events throughout the year and other essential information to share with their teams.

Once September arrives, one of the most anticipated fundraising events is the DanceBlue 5K. This year, the event featured the theme “Dbubble 5K,” with each participant earning 20 spirit points for attending. The event brings together students, community members and patients from the DanceBlue Clinic to raise awareness and funds in the fight against pediatric cancer. People of all ages unite to support a cause that impacts many, creating a day filled with hope, unity and determination.

The 5K is one of my favorite fundraising events because it brings the Lexington community together. Students join in to learn more about DanceBlue, participate in the walk and run for a great cause and get excited about becoming more involved with the organization. The 5K inspired me to get more involved with DanceBlue, as I wanted to raise money for an important cause and be a part of something bigger than myself.

DanceBlue hosts various spirit point events throughout the school year, including restaurant partnerships, collaborations with local coffee shops, Penny Wars, blood drives, team contests and more. From August to February, team captains plan their own fundraising and spirit point events, including bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, and the creation and sale of DanceBlue merchandise. These events provide teams with opportunities to fundraise individually, helping to ensure their dancers can raise enough money to participate in the marathon.

There are many ways to fundraise individually for the marathon. I shared my fundraising efforts on Facebook, where friends and family generously supported me. I also participated in numerous spirit points events with additional help from my sorority. Reaching the individual fundraising goal is a rewarding experience that highlights the strong support from the Lexington community, friends and family who believe in the cause DanceBlue represents.

Not only does UK raise money for DanceBlue, but high schools throughout Lexington also play a vital role in supporting the organization. More than 40 high schools across the Commonwealth actively fund and advance DanceBlue’s mission. UK DanceBlue leaders will join in celebrating these schools for their mini marathons and the funds they’ve raised for this incredible cause.

As the spring semester begins, the final deadline for dancers to raise the necessary funds to participate in the marathon is the end of February. Team captains are planning their final fundraising events and working tirelessly to secure as much money as possible for their teams. Meanwhile, dancers are participating in last-minute spirit point events and doing their best to raise enough funds to participate in this incredible event.

Each team has a different number of dancers eligible to participate in the dance marathon, based on the funds raised and the spirit points earned. My team has selected 15 dancers this year to participate in the event. The number of participants on each team is determined by the money raised and the spirit points accumulated throughout the fundraising efforts.

Once my co-captain and I finalize our dancers list for the dance marathon, we will focus on preparing for the exciting event ahead. In addition to organizing our team, we coordinate team merchandise, ensure participants complete dancer registration, create team banners to be seen at the marathon and ensure that every member is fully prepared.

Throughout the marathon, my co-captain and I will collaborate closely with the Morale and DanceBlue committees, which provide leadership and support. Together, we work to build excitement and maintain high energy levels throughout this unforgettable event.

This year, the 24-hour dance marathon will take place at Historic Memorial Coliseum and will be the 20th anniversary for DanceBlue. The marathon starts on March 29 and goes through the 30, and anyone is welcome to come and support the dancers participating in this event.

The 24-hour dance marathon offers UK students a unique and unforgettable experience. Not every university has a program like DanceBlue, which allows students to contribute to a cause that makes a difference in the community. Whether you’re dancing in the marathon, supporting friends and family or volunteering, anyone can be part of the DanceBlue movement.

DanceBlue is not just an organization; it’s a symbol of hope and joy for families and children facing unimaginable challenges. Participating in this event and leading a team for DanceBlue is an experience I will never forget. I encourage others to join this movement and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Even after graduation, I will continue to support this cause because, ultimately, joy always prevails.

You can learn more about DanceBlue, its mission and its impact at danceblue.org.