"And if you get a chance....I Hope You Dance"

UGA Miracle - Dancing Their Way Into History

Goal met! Over $1,000,000 raised! 

"And if you get a chance to sit it out or dance, I hope dance....I hope you dance." #FTK

The weekend of February 20th, 2016 will always be one of the best weekends of my life! I spent it with 2,500 of my closest Miracle friends.  I had the honor of participating in my second UGA Miracle Dance Marathon. UGA Miracle is an organization ran totally by UGA students.  These hard working students through, UGA Miracle, donate all the money they raise to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).  Since it's founding in 1995, UGA Miracle has raised and donated over 4 million dollars to CHOA.  Because of their generosity, UGA Miracle has a rehab facility in one of the many children's hospital in Atlanta, name after it.

This year UGA Miracle's goal was to raise $1,000,000. UGA Miracle's slogan is "For The Kids." They take this slogan very serious as everything they do is literally for the kids! They have been raising money since the close of last year's DM in which they raised, $686,000!  They have canned downtown, held a Donut run, a tour of homes, and a host of other events.  Their fundraising efforts culminate in the annual all night dance party known as Dance Marathon.  The UGA Miracle members, family and friends all convene in Tate Student Center to highlight Miracle Kids and their Families, to dance and raise money in hopes of reaching their goal.  Several other colleges and universities across the county also organize their own dance marathon to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network.  Their funds are donated to their own state and local children's hospitals.

That moment when I reached my goal of $2,000!

I became involved with UGA Miracle in 2015 when my family reached out to the CHOA foundation.  I wanted to give back to the hospital that saved my life when I contracted a very bad case of pneumonia in 2013. After spending weeks in Athens hospitals, I was transported to Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.  Upon my arrival, a very skilled team of doctors and nurses went to work immediately on my case.  In a matter of days, they found an antibody to help fight a very bad case of bacterial pneumonia and emphysema.  While at Scottish Rite, I got to experience first hand the power of doctors and nurses dedicated to treating and healing children of all ages.  I also met other kids who were in the hospital fighting for their lives. One of my favorite memories is eating the great popsicles!  The popsicles helped to soothed the burning in my lungs.  I was so moved by the great work of the hospital, that I asked my mom to ask the hospital could I bring my ice cream cart to the hospital to give popsicles to the children and their families.  Because of health restrictions and risks, I could not go back to the hospital, but we were told that we could help raise money by connecting with UGA Miracle.  We reached out to UGA Miracle and they welcomed us with open arms and they invited me to come and sell my ice cream at the 2015 Dance Marathon.  I raised $1,000 in 2015! I was so proud!  I wanted to do more for this year.  I set my goal at $2,000 for this year's DM and I made it!  So many marathoners purchased 1, 2, and 3 cool treats from my stand!

Next year I plan to return to Dance Marathon. I am trying to determine what my fundraising goal will be.  I don't know the exact amount just yet, but I do know it's going to be big, but I am not worried about meeting it.  You see I will always choose to dance for those who can not.   

Beau Shell