2019 - 2020
Executive Board
Director of Dance Marathon - chris rekitzke
Senior Communication Major
“If I’m anything in this world, it’s a big brother. I’ve been blessed with three younger siblings that have lived predominantly healthy lives. My sister Ally, who is closest to me in age, spent time in Comer’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago when we were younger. She had cysts in her back and needed them removed. Thankfully, my family had the means to put Ally through the treatment, but I know that not everyone is so fortunate. I know there’s a big brother or big sister out there that is scared to lose their little brother or sister and so I dance to give those kids hope. I dance to give them and their families a fighting chance because no one should go through life without their siblings or children.”
“If I’m anything in this world, it’s a big brother. I’ve been blessed with three younger siblings that have lived predominantly healthy lives. My sister Ally, who is closest to me in age, spent time in Comer’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago when we were younger. She had cysts in her back and needed them removed. Thankfully, my family had the means to put Ally through the treatment, but I know that not everyone is so fortunate. I know there’s a big brother or big sister out there that is scared to lose their little brother or sister and so I dance to give those kids hope. I dance to give them and their families a fighting chance because no one should go through life without their siblings or children.”
Director Of Hospital & Family Relations - Jacob newkirk
Junior Healthcare Leadership Major, Human Biology and General Biology Minor
"I DM because I want to be able to help others that don’t have the same opportunities that I have been blessed with. I think one essential value in my life is to give back to others and with DM I believe I really can endure this. Dance Marathon’s atmosphere is something that not only gives me joy but also shows how our generation of college kids is able to do something that impacts someone else’s life greatly."
"I DM because I want to be able to help others that don’t have the same opportunities that I have been blessed with. I think one essential value in my life is to give back to others and with DM I believe I really can endure this. Dance Marathon’s atmosphere is something that not only gives me joy but also shows how our generation of college kids is able to do something that impacts someone else’s life greatly."
Director Of Fundraising - kate dodge
Senior Nursing Major
"I DM because I have several family members that have been given great care at children’s hospitals. They were lucky enough to not have to stay in the hospital for long, but not every child is. I DM for those that have to spend most of the childhood in a hospital bed, in the hopes that someday they won’t have to. "
"I DM because I have several family members that have been given great care at children’s hospitals. They were lucky enough to not have to stay in the hospital for long, but not every child is. I DM for those that have to spend most of the childhood in a hospital bed, in the hopes that someday they won’t have to. "
Director of Public Relations - Lillia pogue
Junior Health Care Leadership Major, Psychology Minor
"Dance Marathon is so much bigger than any of us; it inspires all participants to do things that we didn't know were possible. We are inspiring the children to find strength within themselves, and in turn they inspire us. I participate in Dance Marathon to continue this tradition of inspiring the dancers with the hope that this will show the kids that they are supported, and that they can do the unthinkable. I DM to inspire those who have once lost hope, so they know that they are never alone."
"Dance Marathon is so much bigger than any of us; it inspires all participants to do things that we didn't know were possible. We are inspiring the children to find strength within themselves, and in turn they inspire us. I participate in Dance Marathon to continue this tradition of inspiring the dancers with the hope that this will show the kids that they are supported, and that they can do the unthinkable. I DM to inspire those who have once lost hope, so they know that they are never alone."
DIRECTOR OF CATERING - Kayley rayl
Senior Nursing Major
"I DM because I’ve been blessed and privileged to live a healthy life and to have healthy family and friends surrounding me. I’ve always been drawn to working with children whether it be with my desired career in healthcare, my volunteer experiences, or the organizations I’m involved in. While volunteering with the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest in Orland Park many years ago I met a young girl who was fighting the battle against cancer. I still think about her and wonder how she is doing. I dance because no child’s health should have to be wondered about like that. They deserve to be a kid, grow up and go to college, and have as many experiences as they can. They deserve to have people like you and me alongside them helping and supporting in any way we can. The reason is simple: because we can."
"I DM because I’ve been blessed and privileged to live a healthy life and to have healthy family and friends surrounding me. I’ve always been drawn to working with children whether it be with my desired career in healthcare, my volunteer experiences, or the organizations I’m involved in. While volunteering with the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest in Orland Park many years ago I met a young girl who was fighting the battle against cancer. I still think about her and wonder how she is doing. I dance because no child’s health should have to be wondered about like that. They deserve to be a kid, grow up and go to college, and have as many experiences as they can. They deserve to have people like you and me alongside them helping and supporting in any way we can. The reason is simple: because we can."
Morale Team co-Captain - Eric chibe
Year and Major: Senior Mechanical Engineering Major
"I DM because I am lucky enough to be able to wake up every morning and live a life with little to no major inconveniences, but these kids don't get to enjoy life the same way I do. I could not even begin to imagine how difficult and draining it must be to have to spend most of your day in a hospital going through treatment after treatment and just not being able to enjoy your childhood. One thing I do know is that these kids are a million times stronger than myself or anyone I know. The least I can do is spend 12 hours dancing like a fool just to give these kids the slightest bit of their childhood back. I DM for them, for the kids, the ones who despite going through some of the worst things imaginable, still manage to light up a room with their laughs and smiles."
"I DM because I am lucky enough to be able to wake up every morning and live a life with little to no major inconveniences, but these kids don't get to enjoy life the same way I do. I could not even begin to imagine how difficult and draining it must be to have to spend most of your day in a hospital going through treatment after treatment and just not being able to enjoy your childhood. One thing I do know is that these kids are a million times stronger than myself or anyone I know. The least I can do is spend 12 hours dancing like a fool just to give these kids the slightest bit of their childhood back. I DM for them, for the kids, the ones who despite going through some of the worst things imaginable, still manage to light up a room with their laughs and smiles."
MORALE Team co-cAPTAIN - andrew benson
Junior Pre-Occupational Therapy Major
"I DM for those who go through so much. Any support for these children can go a long way."
"I DM for those who go through so much. Any support for these children can go a long way."
Director of logistics - Lauren kovacic
Graduate Student - Physician Assistant Studies
"I believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to have a happy and healthy childhood. Lurie's Childrens Hopsital has always had a special place in my heart since it has been a dream of mine to be a Pediatric PA at Lurie's since I was 12. Dance Marathon gives me the opportunity to dedicate my time and passion for helping children in need and giving back to my community. Dance Marathon allows the kids to get the treatment that they deserve and have a chance to become the leaders of tomorrow. I DM for them."
"I believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to have a happy and healthy childhood. Lurie's Childrens Hopsital has always had a special place in my heart since it has been a dream of mine to be a Pediatric PA at Lurie's since I was 12. Dance Marathon gives me the opportunity to dedicate my time and passion for helping children in need and giving back to my community. Dance Marathon allows the kids to get the treatment that they deserve and have a chance to become the leaders of tomorrow. I DM for them."
director of dancer relations - Maddie fry
Senior Theology, Spanish, and Global Service Major
I choose to DM for all of the kids who don't get to leave the hospital and for the kids who are limited by illness. I DM with hope for more miracles and more happy, healthy kids.
I choose to DM for all of the kids who don't get to leave the hospital and for the kids who are limited by illness. I DM with hope for more miracles and more happy, healthy kids.
DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT - BRIANA ZAWILA
"I DM because I have been blessed with a healthy life and believe that all kids deserve to be kids. I love Dance Marathon and everything that it stands for. Dance Marathon and the kids we dance for are so, so, so inspiring. Being able to be a small part of a cause that makes such a huge impact on many lives is why I DM. If all I have to do is dance for 12 hrs one Saturday afternoon to raise awareness, support, and money for kids and their families who absolutely need it, why wouldn't I DM?"
dancer MARATHON ADVISOR - CARRIE WHITTIER
"I have been advising Dance Marathon programs since 2000, and I have found Dance Marathon to be one of most powerful movements among college students around the nation. Serving as the advisor to the ValpoDM program since the beginning has been one of the great joys of my time at Valpo, and I am so proud to work with the generation that is fighting for the next! I am #ForTheKids each and every day!"
