My view of DanceBlue has shifted throughout my time in college, but it has remained something close to my heart. When I was first exposed to DanceBlue during my freshman year, I thought of it as a noble cause. It was easy to support, but I didn’t grasp the true impact that it has throughout the state. As the year progressed, I got more of a glimpse of this through the Adopt-A-Family (AAF) program, which gave me the chance to spend time with an incredible young kid going through treatment at the clinic. I started to see DanceBlue as something a little more than just a lofty goal or good cause; it was something that made a direct, positive impact on the lives of kids suffering from something so terrible. My feelings about DanceBlue were solidified when I had the opportunity to dance my freshman year in DanceBlue 2017. My team’s AAF family spoke on stage about the struggles they faced and the impact that DanceBlue has had in their lives, which truly opened my eyes to how much this organization does, and convinced me to get as involved with it as I could.

I had the opportunity to serve on the DanceBlue Operations Committee my sophomore year and as Corporate Coordinator my junior year. Over this time, I began to see DanceBlue as a beacon of hope. I developed stronger relationships with some of the families in the clinic and got to see firsthand the strength they exhibit on a daily basis. Seeing the incredible courage these kids possess inspired me to do all that I could to support their fight and ease the burden they face.  My years on Committee have also shown me the incredible amount of time and effort that hundreds of UK students put in year-round to make DanceBlue what it is. It warms my heart to see the dedication people across UK’s campus have to this organization: it couldn’t be done without the collective effort of these passionate students.

I have had the immense privilege of volunteering in the DanceBlue clinic for the past few months, and it has given me an even greater appreciation for this organization. Cancer treatment is tough, but the doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers in the clinic make things a little easier for the brave kids going through it. Through good times and bad, DanceBlue will always be here to support the kids who may be unable to support themselves. I have begun to see DanceBlue for what it truly is: a family. No matter what is going on in a kid’s life, DanceBlue will always be here to support them.  

This year, I am serving as the Corporate Relations Chair for DanceBlue. This position gives me the chance to do some pretty awesome things to support the kids in the clinic. I have been able to help plan the 5th Annual DanceBlue Silent Auction, which will be held in the Woodford Reserve Room at Kroger Field next Friday, October 25! The Silent Auction is one of our biggest fundraising nights each year and brings alumni, families, friends, and community members together to support the kids of the clinic. This year will feature a live jazz band, food, speakers, and over 45 auction items and baskets donated by people and companies across the bluegrass. This includes a day in a box at Keeneland for their Spring Meet, UK Basketball tickets, rounds of golf at courses throughout Lexington, tours of acclaimed horse farms throughout the state, various fitness packages, and much more.  

Come and join us next Friday to help support the kids! Doors open at 6:30 PM and tickets are available at https://ukytickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1511&p=1. We hope to see you there!