DanceBlue is the University of Kentucky’s student-run organization that raises funds for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. The yearlong fundraising culminates in a 24-hour dance marathon. This year’s event will be April 6-7, 2024.
Chloe Embry, a first-year medical student, is co-captain of the College of Medicine’s DanceBlue team. She shares more about her experience and how others can join the cause.
If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt, the order form and payment instructions can be found here. If you are interested in donating directly to DanceBlue, the following link will take you to the College of Medicine’s team donation page to submit and keep track of our fundraising progress.
Q: Why did you want to be involved with DanceBlue?
A: I initially got involved in DanceBlue as an undergrad at the University of Kentucky after hearing many of my friends already affiliated with DanceBlue continue to say it would be "the best 24 hours of your life." While this added to my excitement for the cause, I could not truly understand the impact DanceBlue has until I saw it at the marathon. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces leading up to and throughout the marathon is a memory I will not soon forget. When entering medical school, I attended a pediatrics interest meeting where it was announced the UK College of Medicine team needed a captain, and I knew I wanted to be involved.
Q: What does your role as captain encompass?
A: Since taking the position as captain of the DanceBlue team, I have worked alongside my co-captain, Alana Kaffenberger, to educate other medical students on DanceBlue’s mission and raise money for DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic to be presented at the upcoming marathon on April 6-7. For fundraisers, we hosted a UK College of Medicine Cyclebar ride in the fall, and we are currently taking orders for a t-shirt fundraiser for the spring. With about a month left to fundraise before the marathon, we are planning on hosting a bake sale at the College of Medicine with a date and location to come.
Q: Why do you believe DanceBlue is important?
A: I believe DanceBlue is important because it allows students and all others involved in DanceBlue to advocate for the children and their families affected by pediatric cancer. Whether you are a student at UK, or a family or friend donating, each person no matter how small or large is advocating and helping see to the needs of those treated at the DanceBlue clinic. Although we may never directly see the outcomes, everyone involved with DanceBlue is donating their time and money to bring joy and necessary resources in what may be considered the hardest period of a child’s life.