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Now that I can finally think in letters rather than numbers (thanks, Max) I just wanted to take the opportunity to say what an incredible experience DM08 was.  Though I spent most of the weekend in the Scholars Room with co-chair Dean and unbelievable committee, I felt the power and influence of DM like never before.  We counted the first deposit for over 15 hours because of the sheer volume of money dancers brought with them during registration.  We made 3 drops to the cashier’s office during the weekend, and while I didn’t get to dance as much as I might have liked, nothing can compare to counting that amount of cash over a 30-hour period and just being amazed and awed by the effort and energy of dancers, committee members, friends, and family.  It truly was a pleasure to be cooped up in a room counting up to that magical number of $933,855 and I wish the biggest congratulations to everyone involved in DM08.  You have all had a hand in making history, and I hope the incredible feeling from early Sunday morning stays with you for a long time to come.  I know it’s still with me.

Livin’, Givin’, and Lovin’,

-Jess, DM08 finance co-chair

Congratulations to everyone involved — we raised $933,855 in DM 2008!  We’re going to be able to push Bear Necessities to the next level to help kids with cancer!

Block 10 just began and the energy from DM is an absolute inspiration. Each and everyone of you have done an amazing job and are so close to the big finish. Keep dancing and hold your heads high the last couple hours. Thank you for everything you have done for BEAR!

Courtney Krupa ~ Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Almost a year later - how can I express in words what Dance Marathon is like.  This is Kathleen Casey the Founder and President of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  The past year has been a tremendous journey but the actual experience of Dance Marathon is the most fantastic experience for Bear Necessities not to mention the impact it will make on pediatric cancer.  From all the children who will benefit -  our heartfelt thanks - keep dancing!!!!!

– Kathleen Casey, Founder of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation 

I’m writing from the Louis Room in Norris right now, and we just officially hit hour 23.5.  Despite a few rough patches for most of my dancers (I’m writing as a co-group head), the intensity is definitely picking back up.  After a solid meal of pasta and salad, a few NU student group performances, and more blaring rap music, everyone is gearing up for the final 6 hours of DM, which will surely turn out to be the best 6 hours they have yet to experience at Northwestern.

–Ryan, Beta/Gamma Phi group leader 

I’m on the Public and Community Relations Committee (not a 30 hour one), but I’ve been at DM for a long time today and am having an awesome time!  Our committee got  recognition on stage earlier this afternoon, and I’ve been able to dance for a while also. DM 2008 rocks, go dancers!!

–Beckie, Public and Community Relations Committee member

If you stop thinking about time and start focusing on the music, dancing actually becomes really easy.  The 20 or so hours have, overall, flown by - with the exception of 7 am when I explored the notion of calling a cab to go home, and 2 pm when I fell asleep standing up.  It’s been a blast seeing everyone and getting visitors, but especially the visits from dance groups and some of the kids from Bear Necessities.

–Becca, dancer 

I’m supporting Dance Marathon while pampering myself here at the DM Spa.  I had a manicure here in Norris!  It was a good experience, and they did a great job for a good price.  I would recommend it to anyone!

–Alexis, visitor 

As members of the Dancer Relations committee, we’ve been hard at work for the past few hours doing things like running dancers back and forth to the bathroom and giving hundreds of dancers foot massages. After dancing for 10+ hours, these foot massages are clearly key to a happy dancing experience.  I’m feeling a little delirious, but I’m still so excited and proud of all the dancers.

– Lizzie, Dancer Relations committee member 

Sunrise has come and gone at Dance Marathon 2008. The normal “Here Comes the Sun” played, the blinds were pulled and dancers re-energized to continue dancing. However, this year is anything but ordinary for Dance Marathon. We have expanded into a secondary location, massively increased the number of dancers we serve and already made a substantial impact on the daily lives of Chicago-area pediatric cancer patients.

Being a part of such an amazing endeavor continually renews my sense of hope and belief in my own generation. Not only do these students give up their entire weekend to put themselves through physical and emotional strains, but they do it all for other people they oftentimes do not even get to meet. This year’s sunrise symbolizes so much more than a few successful blocks; it means a new sense of understanding and appreciation for over 1000 Northwestern students. As college students we continually strive to better ourselves and in this weekend, dancers and committee members alike will break through barriers and realize they are capable of so much more than they ever thought possible. We’re approaching the halfway mark which brings up a bittersweet sense of the past 15 hours and the upcoming 15. However, this experience will forever be ingrained in my mind as the most defining moment in my young adult life as I serve and seek to serve my peers and other children of my own generation.

–Brittany, Alumni & University Relations Co-Chair