By Tory Hyde
University of Alabama Dance Marathon… If you aren’t participating in it, you probably know someone who is.
UADM, a student-run organization that works year-round to raise money for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, exists to provide financial and emotional assistance to the children and families undergoing treatment at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama.
So, what’s it all about? This year’s UADM leaders Julia Travagline, director of public relations; Meghan Poljak, vice president of marketing; and Kaitlin Burnash, director of Miracle Family Relations, have the answers.
What is UADM/The Main Event?
Julia Travagline: The year culminates with a 13.1-hour-long event where the students stay on their feet through dancing, games and entertainment in order to celebrate the total amount raised that year. It’s a celebration of the blood, sweat and tears that each Miracle Family, the hospital, and UADM put into one common goal: eradicating childhood illness. (This year’s main event is Saturday, Feb.17, in the Ferguson Center ballroom. Check-in is from 9-10 a.m. The marathon lasts from 10 a.m. until 11:06 p.m.)
How and why did it start?
Meghan Poljak: UADM first joined Children’s Miracle Network in 2011 in a partnership to support Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. In the first year, UADM raised $14,952.18. It began because a few students saw a need for a collegiate level of support for Children’s of Alabama.
What goes into planning such a big event?
Poljak: We have six committees that all work together to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible. They each have sectors within the committees and teams within the sectors. So, just a lot of people doing what they love to do to make sure we are doing our best for our Miracle Families.
What happens at the main event?
Travagline: Miracle Makers and staff members come together with our Miracle Kids from Children’s and their families to dance, stand and, most importantly, celebrate. The Main Event is a celebration of life that is yet to be lived by the next generation.
How do you recruit students to participate in it?
Poljack: We make sure to engage with new students and create a non-intimidating environment when they are first getting involved. My favorite part about UADM is that we have committees for every kind of person and academic interest. If you have this large personality and love getting people excited about the kids, there is always morale (the tie-dye-wearing, face-paint-love-hype team). If you like analytics, we have an insights team. There is something for everyone, and it makes for a great community of students.
How long have you been doing UADM?
Travagline: This is my second year.
Poljack: I’ve been with UADM since I was a freshman. I participated in the event as a Miracle Maker.
Kaitlin Burnash: I have been involved in UADM for three years now. I started at the end of my freshman year and have held a variety of positions within the organization.
Why did you personally get involved with it?
Travagline: I got involved with UADM because I wanted to be a part of an organization that was bigger than myself. I saw how much effort UADM put into the Main Event and fundraising efforts in 2016 and knew I wanted to be a part of that the following year.
What does UADM mean to you?
Poljack: UADM truly means so much to me. I have worked with hundreds of kids battling life-threatening illnesses who receive treatments at children’s hospitals across the United States. These families are in the very same situations and battle the very same things that our miracle families in UADM do. Not only do these families suffer from the weight of their illness, but these same kids are often bullied and belittled at school for their illness or give up things many of us take for granted.
How does UADM raise money?
Poljack: We raise money through all kinds of donations. Sometimes corporations donate or there is personal fundraising. The main event is where we reveal the grand total we raised for that year.
Why should students participate in UADM?
Travagline: To quote the first Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon’s mission statement: “We dance for those who can’t.” It is this solidarity to and connection with the cause that makes Dance Marathon an event unlike any other. We dance for a cause, we dance for a cure, and, most importantly, we dance for the kids.
Poljack: We are in the business of making miracles reality, and I can’t think of a more potent mission to get behind. I couldn’t even begin to imagine these last four years without fighting for a cause that is bigger than myself. It is fun and challenging, rewarding and meaningful. Everyone should experience it.
How can students get involved with UADM?
Poljack: Students can still register for the Main Event here.
Applications for staff and further involvement open after the Main Event is over.
If you need any additional information, visit the website.