Dance Marathon power hour at UIHC took place at 11am on Saturday, February 4, 2012.This is the first time Dance Marathon dancers, went over to UIHC to dance with patients who were not able to attend DM at the IMU. (The Daily Iowan/Jacklyn Couppee)
Seven-year-old Christopher Turnis took over the dance floor at this afternoons Mini Dance Marathon.
The mini marathon was the first event of its kind to occur for patients who could not attend the event at the IMU.
“My favorite part of the event was the dancing!” Turnis said energized.
The event included snacks, games, a DJ, lots of dancing, and crafts for the children to participate in.
Dance Marathon participants, hospital committee members, and patients along with their families joined together to celebrate the joy of the Big Event.
Sophomore and first time dancer Kelly Schaefer said she was blown away by the impact the event had on the children.
“It’s great seeing how excited they are, and seeing the siblings able to do something different,” Schaefer said.
Family Programming Committee member Ashley Yoder said the event provides kids a day of fun and relaxation from their usually hectic lives.
“The event is so important because it gives them a chance to be a kid. They are stuck in the hospital all day, so it kind of brings part of the event to them because a lot of them are sad they are missing out on it, and we don’t want them to feel left out,” Yoder said.
Many siblings and relatives also enjoyed participating in the Mini Marathon. Andrea Brenner, 9, and Candice Nusbaum, 7, covered their hands in paint and marked a poster thanking the dancers.
“We are here because our cousin has to have heart surgery,” Nusbaum said. Eryn Clark is one-and-a-half years old.
Other groups on campus participated in the event, including the Iowa Spirit Squad.
Junior and cheerleader Onazi Agbesi said participating gives the kids a chance to see Hawkeye sports at another level.
“This event is so important because a lot of these kids maybe can’t go to sporting events and see characters like Herky on the field, or can’t see us doing our stuff,” Agbesi said. “It’s really good for them to get to see it inside the gym of the hospital because these kids work so hard and they fight so hard.”
Christopher’s mother, Kristina Turnis, said her son has made a lot of friends through Dance Marathon.
“There are so many volunteers that have gotten close with Christopher and have become his friend,” Turnis said. “That’s what makes it special.”
Jersey Barfels, 7, was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor and is currently in week 11 of her 30 weeks of treatment, but said she is still in good spirits.
“I liked the dancing and spending time with Herky,” Barfels said.
The Mini Marathon concluded with a Power Hour, similar to the one Dance Marathon does each year for the last hour.
— By Jordyn Reiland
Christopher Turnis, dances with Herkey and Dance Marathon dancers at UIHC gymnasium on Saturday, February 4, 2012. This is the first time Dance Marathon came to the hospital to dance with the patients. (The Daily Iowan/Jacklyn Couppee
