USCDM stands together in the fight to change kids' health.
Abby Milkes, Public Relations Staff
University of South Carolina Dance Marathon’s (USCDM) fundraising kickoff for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands took on a new meaning this year. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, USCDM held its first “Ignite the Fight” event. The 24-hour push day focused on internal initiatives to spark community-wide education. To expand its reach and maximize its impact, the organization recognized the need to first establish cause connection and ensure all of its members, both new and returning, have a strong foundation to fuel their year-long efforts.
The day also marked the first time this year that all of the internal members of USCDM, known as “One Team, One Dream” or OTOD, joined forces. In emphasizing the “Together” component of the 2024-2025 campaign, “Together For Tomorrow,” members of the organization collaborated to pull resources and support.
With the final piece of the USCDM formed, the Ignite branch, OTOD was completed and ready to take action. Ignite represents the introductory branch where students new to the organization learn about the cause and ways in which USCDM supports Prisma’s crucial initiatives, such as its Child Life Program. Here, Ignite members also learn about the internal operations of USCDM, helping them find their place.
“Ignite the Fight” instilled the notion of strength in numbers and having all members working together is paramount to carry out a shared goal. The fight to change the future of kid’s health cannot be done alone.
“Since this is our first push day, we are all getting USCDM off of its feet. It’s a collective effort, and I think it’s a great way to just solidify … By getting fundraising off its feet. ‘Together For Tomorrow’ — it’s a great way to set the precedent for the rest of the push days and have that unity, we’re all doing this for a certain cause,” Addie Meeker, food logistics director, said.
With togetherness at the forefront, it remains important that all incoming members on all branches feel welcomed and find their purpose within USCDM. In an organization home to over 200 members, working as a team leads to not only monumental outcomes but a tight-knit community that stands unwavering in its mission.
“So far, I’ve really liked the community, and there are so many people all accomplishing one thing,” Avery Hammersmith, Ignite member, said.
Throughout the day, members set up an array of engaging tables on Greene Street, right in the heart of campus. With music blaring and a gong to hit each time a donation is received, the passion of USCDM echoed throughout USC. From poster painting to stress ball making, a variety of activities caught the attention of many students walking by, allowing members to teach them about USCDM and Prisma’s Child Life Program.
Each of the activities mirrored those one would find in the hospital that aim to reduce patient stress and establish positive coping mechanisms. One of which is filling a medical glove with Orbeez to act as a comforting item to squeeze when the hospital environment starts to feel overwhelming. Such activities strengthen one’s cause connection, providing a glimpse into the many tools and resources provided to kids by Child Life Specialists while in the hospital. Also, Prisma EMTs were on-site, giving ambulance tours to further provide a glimpse into everyday life at the hospital. Students were able to learn more about the impact of USCDM through the stories told by those who have witnessed it firsthand.
“I think [USCDM is] amazing, it’s a definite positive impact for the school, the community and also just in general for us … it really just opens people’s eyes to things like this,” Charla Summers, Prisma Health pediatric respiratory therapist, said.
To round out the day, members of USCDM gathered for a fun-filled game night. While enjoying ice cream, trivia and bingo, students reflected on the progress made and set intentions for the year ahead. Members eagerly awaited, though, to uncover just how much progress was made in their fundraising efforts. In traditional USCDM fashion, the final amount was unveiled through a final flip of the numbers, which displayed an impressive $65,239 after just 24 hours. The number would not have been possible without the collective effort of all members. Together, USCDM funds the flame and the fight for a better future for children.
Comments