Why We DanceBlue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2010) - UK is just two days away from its fifth annual DanceBlue dance marathon. While the excitement is building on campus, some of DanceBlue's student leaders reflected on their experience with DanceBlue and shared why they dance for the kids.

For more information on DanceBlue, visit www.danceblue.org.

Kelsey Webster

Senior, Louisville, Ky.

2010 DanceBlue Overall Chair

"I love DanceBlue for so many reasons. I first fell in love with DanceBlue at my first marathon in 2007. It wasn't until the memorial hour that I realized what this whole big thing was all about. Ever since that day, I have literally been hooked on DanceBlue. 

DanceBlue has completely changed my entire college experience. As a freshman I was very apathetic to any type of student involvement. I only worried about classes and what I was doing. then DanceBlue came in and my whole perspective on college and life in general changed.

As leaders we all have very personal reasons of why we 'DanceBlue.' For myself, DanceBlue helped me get through one of the hardest times in my life. When my father passed in 2008, DanceBlue allowed me to get back up and move forward. So in a larger sense, DanceBlue has probably given more to me this last four years than anything. 

Every year I absolutely fall in love with this organization over and over again. Something new happens and I just feel more grateful that DanceBlue is in my life. 

So why do I DanceBlue? Because of the inspiration those children bring to me every day; because of my peers' overwhelming dedication to this cause; because of those people before us that worked so hard to make DanceBlue what it is today; because of those parents who have lost their child, and I'm making sure I do everything in my power that no other parent has to go through that; Because DanceBlue has given more to me than I can even explain; finally, because DanceBlue is really bigger than oneself."

Justin Linne

Senior, Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.

Programming Chair

"I do DanceBlue, and stand for all those that can't; for all the families and children who are fighting every day; and for the kids who never take a minute for granted. I also dance to remember those who we've loved and lost: may we be able to honor them and keep their memory alive one hour at a time."

Jim Gilles

Senior, Owensboro, Ky.

Operations Chair

"My love for DanceBlue cannot be summed up in any amount of words. There are so many lives that DanceBlue touches both inside and outside the marathon. Knowing that we are all there for the same purpose and that we are all college students uniting for something bigger than ourselves is what I love the most. DanceBlue has made me realize that even the smallest things in life are something to cherish. Our time is so short, and we let too many things pass us by without fully realizing how great they are and how they could change the outcome for someone else."

Kayla Talbott

Senior, Albany, Ky.

Family Relations Co-chair

"Most things in life can be described with words. However, once in a while something comes along that is so incredible that there are no words. For me, this is DanceBlue. When I first participated in DanceBlue, I wanted to make a difference for the families and the kids in the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Clinic. After the past three years of involvement with DanceBlue, the people who have made the most difference to me are the families and kids who have touched my life beyond measure. These children have strength, courage, and compassion beyond measure. No matter what struggles they have had to overcome; they have nothing but love in their hearts.

DanceBlue has impacted me in ways that I would have never imagined. Through the families in the clinic, I have learned what it means to be a selfless person. As much as they go through, they only think of others. Many of the families have started their own philanthropy to help other children like theirs. One of the kindest mothers that I met in the clinic once told me 'cancer is a cause.' It took me a while to understand her words, but they hold true. Cancer IS a cause that draws people together. It unites friends and strangers to fight for something greater than themselves. It gives people the chance to reflect on what is truly important out of life. Every smile, every laugh, every hug, every kiss means more than the one before.

I made ribbons for my team last year that read, 'Dance with your feet, Dance with your heart!' For me that really sums up what DanceBlue is to me. It is physical. It is emotional. It is an eye opening experience that affects your heart, mind, and body. I love DanceBlue because it gives people of all backgrounds the chance to make a stand against childhood cancer. No matter where we’ve come from or where we are going, we stand together for 24 hours to make a difference. We put our own interests aside, and just keep dancing for the kids."

Slade Thompson

Senior, Lexington, Ky.

2010 DanceBlue Vice-chair

"DanceBlue is a blessing to every person involved in it, from the kids and families, nurses in the clinic, committee members organizing it, and dancers participating. For me it's a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself and a way to benefit the lives of my fellow Kentuckians. Every child should have the chance to live a long, fulfilling life, and whatever stands in their way will be something I'll fight against. I dance for hope."