Students danced the night away at the 11th annual osprey miracle dance marathon, raising funds for local children’s hospitals in Jacksonville. Some of the children benefiting from the funding suffered traumatic brain injuries from a second story window fall, and some were born premature with congenital heart defects.

The event was about fun, learning and donating as the students did activities such as playing Xbox, relay games, minute-to-win-it challenge games, bowling, volleyball and spike ball. According to recruitment chair, Diejonia Abbott, “this is an opportunity for college students to come together and put themselves in the shoes of the children, try to relive their childhood and also raise money for a good cause”.

According to Abbott, the highlight of the event is about the children that visit to take part in festivities, share their stories and meet their families. This year, a four year old that had open heart surgery at six months old attended the event.

At the beginning of every hour organizers taught students a morale dance where students take a knee in memory of miracle children’s stories. According to Abbott, “that motivates us to keep standing and continuing the marathon.”

According to freshman Kaitlyn Davison, “I have learnt that a little can go a long way. My team and I asked for $2 donations but it adds up. A lot of money does not really matter.”

Sophomore student Alana Shew-A-Tjon said, “I had a lot of fun last year. I got a chance to dance with my friends and raise money for a good cause.”

Osprey miracle is affiliated with dance marathon as a national organization. There are representatives at student events accepting donations for children all year.

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