FTK (For the Kids)

This past weekend was Luther's first ever, Dance Marathon. I had the honor of dancing for twelve hours straight with my friends and many classmates. I had heard of a Dance Marathon before coming to Luther, as several other schools in the area participate in them. Basically, students fundraise money throughout the year for the Children's Miracle Network. Our fundraising went towards the University of Iowa Children's Hospitals. So throughout the year, the students register, raise money, and connect with children who have suffered in some way from Cancer or other rare/destructive diseases.

The actual Dance Marathon event takes place in a gym where participants dance for a set number of hours and are encouraged not to sit down. This is supposed to symbolize that dancers are standing up for those who cannot dance or stand.

So on Saturday, around four hundred people gathered in our Main Gym at noon and began to dance. The music was happy and upbeat, and throughout the twelve hours, various themes were kept. For example, one hour was "Neon Hour", "Norse Hour", "Beach Hour", etc. There were various groups that performed each hour including the dance team and a Capella groups. Overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience. The dancers were all united in dancing FTK (For the Kids).

One of the most powerful moments of the day was hearing the kids' stories. Several people affected by Cancer spoke to the audience about their experiences.

It was nothing short of powerful.

Cancer is a horrible disease that affects so many people. It was an honor dancing For The Kids, especially kids who cannot walk, or sing, or dance, or play. With the money raised ($38,612.01), the money will be donated to the Children's Hospitals and giving back to the families affected by Cancer, a gift to let them know that no matter their battle, they are being supported in many different ways. Throughout this event, I was struck by this simple fact...

Life really is a gift.

So why wouldn't we sing and dance??

Life is good, it really is. No matter what each day holds, there is always something to be grateful for. God put us on this earth to live and to live each day to its fullest.

It's a pretty unique gift that we have been given.

One of Luther's constant phrases said over and over is "Soli Deo Gloria" which is Latin for "To Him be the Glory". Our Dance Marathon shirts said, "Soli DM (Dance Marathon) Gloria" which to me means, "To Him be the Glory, so why wouldn't you dance??"

I am very grateful to have been apart of this event this weekend, and am grateful for these moments on Earth. The moments of great Joy and happiness.

 That is something truly amazing to live for.  

Hour Six!

Norse (Luther's Mascot) Pride Hour