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SU, Cornell students dance to support patients at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

SU, Cornell students dance to support patients at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- Students at Syracuse and Cornell universities are asking their communities to dance the day away for the kids at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The mention of a dance marathon may call to mind an image of depression era couples performing coordinated steps in a crowded gymnasium, but the classic event is experiencing resurgence thanks to the Children’s Miracle Network and dedicated high school and college students across the country.

“Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital serves families and kids from such a wide geography that we were lucky enough to be the benefactor for two dance marathon events,” explains Lorie Riedl, retail development coordinator at The Upstate Foundation. “The students at Cornell and SU who coordinated these events with the Children’s Miracle Network have a terrific passion for helping the kids while also creating a really fun event for the participants.”

The dance marathons are daylong events that work to not only support the children’s hospital, but also build community among the dancers. Participants will learn a “Morale Dance” together that will be repeated throughout the day. This special dance is used a pick-me-up for tired feet that have been dancing a long time, but also reinforces the notion that the participants are all working together toward a common goal. Special guest speakers also come to motivate the supporters, including hospital staff, patients and their families.

Big Red THON, Cornell’s dance marathon, will hold its second marathon Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. More than 600 people attended the first Big Red Thon, raising $42,000.

The dance marathon at Syracuse University, OttoTHON, will host its third dance marathon on Sunday, Nov. 6. The twelve hours of dancing will commence at 10 a.m. on the Syracuse campus. The first two OttoTHON events raised $152,000 to support pediatric care at Upstate.

“Both events are expected to grow this year,” Riedl said. “With each event, the word of mouth grows and more people learn about this fun way to do something good for sick and injured kids right in their own communities.”

For information on how you can support OttoTHON or Big Red THON, please contact the Upstate Foundation at 315-464-4416.

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