Students and members of the community joined together to celebrate Miracle at Kennesaw State’s yearly Dance Marathon on March 26.
During this spectacular all-day event, members of the organization and families danced the night away and participated in other fun activities throughout the night to celebrate the hard work of the members and community.
Miracle at KSU is the university’s biggest student-led humanitarian organization dedicated to raising funds to further the care and research at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
This organization raises funds year-round through events big and small, as well as donation drives which donate all proceeds to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This year, the funds are going towards the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Diogo Saubel, the Campus Engagement Chair for Miracle at KSU, proudly disclosed all of the different activities the organization planned for the Dance Marathon event. Activities such as hula hoop contests, a life-size Hungry Hungry Hippo game and a silent disco were among the event’s festivities.
Throughout the year, two of the 22 executive board members of Miracle at KSU thoroughly plan each detail of the big Dance Marathon event. They come up with the theme surrounding the event, choosing Ohana for this year. Ohana, meaning family, is a term that many within the community describe Miracle at KSU.
Board members also came up with a song and dance to go along with the theme that members presented to the community. Children and families alike had a blast learning new dance moves created by board members as they celebrated the year all night long.
Families impacted by Miracle at KSU also spoke at the event, sharing their stories and expressing gratitude for everything the organization has done for them.
Other events take place throughout the year called Mini marathons. Wagon Day is the biggest event of the year besides the Dance Marathon. This event raises funds so that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta can build red wagons for children in the hospital.
These red wagons take the place of daunting gurneys that may make children feel uncomfortable or anxious on their way to surgery. This year, Miracle was able to raise a whopping $20,000 on Wagon Day.
Watching the videos on YouTube of the past Dance Marathons, it is clear how much love and pride goes into these events. Every participant has a beaming smile spread wide across their face and the strength of everyone in the videos shines through.
It was revealed at the end of the Dance Marathon that the organization raised $135,156 going towards the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Since 2008, $1.5 million has been raised for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
It is abundantly clear that Miracle at KSU lives up to its name, not only in the number of funds being raised in short periods but also in the way the community comes together to show their love and support to children everywhere.