University of Iowa Dance Marathon
Helloooooo from Iowa! Today I find myself in this great state giving a talk at the University of Iowa for the Dance Marathon program.
The Dance Marathon is an amazing STUDENT-run organization that provides emotional and financial support to families affected by pediatric cancer. Their tag line is: “Creating Tomorrow by Dancing Today.” How great is that?
Since it’s founding in 1994 the organization has raised over $12 million (yes, TWELVE MILLION DOLLARS!) that goes directly to children and their families in the hospital. Talk about an incredible Silver Lining. The money raised goes to provide wigs, co-pays, parking vouchers, funeral costs, meal vouchers, games, and a variety of other resources to help families throughout the process. They also have events held throughout the year to raise awareness for the cause such as Lime Days and 100 Days Out that focus on the fun college experience while maintaining a focus of why they do what they do.
As a pediatric hospice and social worker, this program has extra special meaning to me. I vividly remember caring for families who were not only emotionally, but also financially devastated by a cancer diagnosis. Every little (and big!) bit of support makes all the difference in the world!
I have been asked to speak about “How to Help a Loved One Diagnosed with Cancer” – one of my favorite topics, I have to say! I’ll be speaking at 7:30 at the Sheraton Hotel in Iowa City, 210 S Dubuque Street. The Silver Lining is that the program is open to the public, free of charge. So, if you’re in the neighborhood, I’d love to see you!
Break a leg!!! mi Hollye.
xxx
Oh golly…I may just do that, Isa! Uh oh!
Good luck with the talk, Hollye. And may I say, you are always so beautifully dressed. I actually find it rather inspiring. There is something lovely in looking lovely.
THanks so much, Catherine! I agree with your beautiful sentence: "there is something lovely in looking lovely"! Hope you are well.
What a wonderful cause this student-run organization "Dance Marathon" supports, helping families facing pediatric cancer. Many families need help financially and emotionally. I love their tag-line for the cause, "Creating Tomorrow by Dancing Today"!
In Feb. they will be participating in a dance marathon to raise dollars for this worthy cause. I am positive that your talk on, "How to Talk to a Loved One Diagnosed with Cancer" will give them the added impetus and motivation to make this a very exceptional fund raising year. Afterall $12 million dollars raised since 1994 is nothing short of great!
It's SO AMAZING, Carolee! I am absolutely giddy about the organization and these students. They have given me so much hope for the future!
Love you do gooder ! A
xxx
Love reading about groups like these, paying it forward! Support groups are lifelines during a very bewildering, sometimes scary time. If you are ever in my neck of the woods (South Florida), I am SO there!
You're so right, E.B.! Hopefully I'll come through Florida on the book tour! Thanks, as always.
YES! I'm with E.B. on hoping to catch you on your book tour. Please share the schedule of cities you will be going to on your book promotion tour with us. Thanks and Good Luck, Hollye!
I sure will! Thanks!
Hollye, wish I had seen this sooner. I would have driven over to Iowa City to see you and hear you speak-and give you a huge hug.
You are an amazing woman-but then aren't all Saint Mary's women amazing.
Love to you!
Hi Debbie! Great to hear from you! So sorry that we were not able to see each other.
Thank you for your kind words and YES on the Saint Mary's women!
Love to you, too!