As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to reflect on all that we are grateful for. For many, DanceBlue automatically comes to mind. From patients in the clinic and their families to first-time dancers, DanceBlue has changed and will continue to change lives in so many different ways. Here are the reasons these 25 people are thankful for this amazing organization. 

“Because it introduced me to some of the most amazing people during my time at UK!” -Ellie Van Curen, Marathon Coordinator

“I’m thankful for DanceBlue because of the opportunities it provides students and families” -Jessica Donzelli, Family Relations Committee

“The great community that DB is!! Everyone working toward a common goal with such a good attitude is awesome.” -Michael Hunter, Operations Committee

“For giving me a community made up of passionate students with a true heart of giving” -Allie Holt, Mini Marathons Chair

“DanceBlue is a family and I’m thankful to be a part of it.” -Clark Ulmer, Corporate Relations Chair

“DB brings unwavering joy into every life it touches, bringing smiles to the faces of the kiddos at the clinic and inspiration to every student involved! DB is life-changing and I’m so thankful to be a part of it!!” -Kaylee Birlingmair, Family Relations Committee

“I’m thankful to get to collaborate with all of Committee to plan DB2020. They’re incredible and DB is easily the best part of my week whenever we have meeting.” -Allison Eades, Programming Committee

“The opportunity to be cheerleaders for the best kiddos on the planet!” -Aubree Turner, Morale Committee

“I am so very thankful for DanceBlue because it has introduced me to the best friends in this world! Going to committee meetings is like a big hangout with all of my favorite people!” -Ragan Howard, Programming Committee

“I’m thankful for the chance to work towards a cause that will always be so much bigger than myself, alongside the most incredible and selfless people.” -Meg Crouch, Morale Committee

“I am thankful for DanceBlue because it has allowed me to be apart of something bigger than myself!” -Morgan Newmark, Operations Committee

“The doctors, nurses, researchers, and medical professionals that work tirelessly to find a cure & help the kiddos!” -Tess Emerson, Morale Committee

“For inspiring me every day to love and enjoy the people I’m surrounded by” -Jacob Tow, Morale Committee

“I’m thankful for DanceBlue because it allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself!” -Lisa Patel, Kids by 90

“I found out about DanceBlue my junior year of HS,  before I had even applied to UK. I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of this great organization. I’m thankful for such a supportive student body dedicated to this cause FTK!” -Haylie Paulin, Big Dance Energy

“From fundraising out in Lexington to just hanging out with my team, I’m so thankful for the community that DanceBlue has brought to me.” -Abby Coyle, Cru

“I am thankful to know that there is a group of students who are so dedicated to try and make positive change in the world. More than anything, I am thankful for the ability to help Jennifer make Jarrett’s wishlist come true.” -James Russell, Adopt A Family Coordinator

“I’m thankful for DanceBlue because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives, and give back to the families and children of Kentucky.” -Sydney Wahl, Programming Committee

“I am thankful that so many different types of people are brought together under one common goal, while they’re still the coolest people you’ve ever met. Everyone on DanceBlue has an amazing heart, and they’re the best role models anyone could ask for.” -Grace Krah, Family Relations Committee

“I’m thankful for DanceBlue because it has changed the lives of so many families from my small, eastern Kentucky town.” -Toni Bingham, PEPP

“I am thankful for the inspiration it provides for others, it has indirect impacts that often go unappreciated” -Tom Calderaro, Phi Delta Epsilon

“Because it gives me an opportunity to do good in my community!” -Lane Ryan, 4 Paws 4 The Kids

“I’m thankful for the community DanceBlue provides. It brings so many people together for one cause and for 24 hours makes everyone feel like family.” -Kristin Meyer, College of Pharmacy

“Holistic and happy healthcare for the kiddos” -Rebika Khanal, Fundraising Chair

“For giving me an extended/second family” -Laura Millen, Marketing Committee

Whether DanceBlue has provided people with a family at college or a way to give back to a great cause, it has found a way to impact these 25 people and so many more. DanceBlue, however, would not happen without the dancers, Committee members, and those in the Lexington community that make it possible. We are so grateful for everyone who has supported and contributed to DanceBlue, and we hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving!