Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Dance Marathon meets kids at Gundersen Lutheran

By Kate Bailey
Cardinal Staff

Students at Saint Mary’s University were given the opportunity to meet with child cancer patients Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., on Nov. 17, 2013.

“My favorite part of the day was seeing one of the children at the hospital. She was playing with her toy train. She was happy to see us, but too shy to say anything. Her parents, on the other hand, were overjoyed to see their daughter smile and were thankful that we were able to give her our full attention,” said Nicholas Korchak, president of the SMU Dance Marathon.

During the visit, students were given a tour and met the children in the game room. According to Korchak, the game room is an important place for the children to go and play during their stay.  

The visit to Gunderson Lutheran was in preparation for the second annual fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s on Feb. 1, 2014. The fundraiser aims to provide children with the medical attention they need.

The fundraising event will feature a talent show by children from Gunderson Lutheran, and will take place in the SMU Recreation and Athletic Center from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Donations and proceeds will directly benefit Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in providing meal tickets for the families, medical equipment, medicine used for their treatments and other needs the hospital may need.

Students can purchase a shirt or donate money. A table with more information will be set up on Nov. 13, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m in the Toner Center.  


“Remember, 100% of all the money raised goes directly to the kids and their families!” said Dance Marathon Advertising Chair Catie Deysach. “By participating in Dance Marathon, you are helping children in hospitals and their families receive the care they need in order to get better.”

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