Senior Survivor Dance Marathon
See how senior Taya Melendez and Laura Eads picked their charity and more information about the event!
Stella DeLong '24
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The University of Iowa's Dance Marathon has been an annual event since 1994. It is a student-run organization, fundraising for cancer patients and families. It is a 24-hour dance that celebrates cancer survivors and honors the ones that have passed away. All of the money made supports the families affected by cancer. Over the years, the organization has raised over 33 million dollars! Click HERE to learn more about their amazing organization.
Senior Survivor is a recurring tradition at MHS. It is where seniors pair up, spend 24-7 within the confines of the school building, compete in challenges, and raise money for a charity of their choice.
This year, seniors, Taya Melendez and Laura Eads, formed a team and decided for their fundraising efforts to facilitate a dance marathon of their own.
Usually, teams pick a charity that they want to help, or even just something they are passionate about. But for this pair, the selection of the University of Iowa's Dance Marathon hit much closer to home as it played a huge part in Taya’s life.
“When I was one, I was diagnosed with leukemia. Growing up my family and I attended many Dance Marathons and we still try our best to do whatever we can for those kids and their families. Dance Marathon holds a special place in my heart. They provide an environment that is loving and full of hope,” said Taya.
Having a lifelong connection with Dance Marathon, Taya wanted to create one of her own by hosting a Mini Dance Marathon on February 11th, from 5 to 8pm at Susan Clark Junior High Gymnasium. This is an event that is open to all community members and families to enjoy with kids.
Both Taya and Laura want to give back to an organization that does so much for families like Taya’s.
How does a dance marathon work?
It is very similar to how it sounds. During the 24-hour big dance marathon, you have to try your best to dance for the entire 24 hours. No caffeine is allowed, but lots of fun games to keep you entertained. For Taya and Laura, the Mini Dance Marathon is only 3 hours, but the same rules apply.
“There will be so many activities for people to do. We are going to have games, prizes, face painting, arts and crafts, and a photo booth,” said Taya.
Not only are there going to be fun activities, food, and drinks, there will even be some special guests like DJ Minder, UI Dance Marathon Team Members, guest speakers, and more!
Admission is five dollars and all of the proceeds will go to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.
Remember, making a difference can be so easy and simultaneously fun. As a community and school, let's have fun and make a difference by supporting Taya and Laura, and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon on February 11th, at Susan Clark Junior High, Muscatine Iowa from 5 to 8pm.
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