How UDance and The B+ Foundation make a difference and how you can help!

UDance Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropic organization at the University of Delaware. Our year-long efforts to raise funds and spread awareness to fight childhood cancer culminate into a 12-hour dance marathon each year, which this year is tomorrow, April 24th, 2022.

We dance because we believe that college students have the power to change lives.

Most UD students have yet to experience a traditional UDance at The Bob Carpenter Center. Executive Director, Carlie Gallagher described, “I am so excited for our students, the B+ Heroes and their families, and community members to feel the magic of UDance again! It truly is such an incredible day full of laughs and smiles and we could not be more thrilled to be back at the Bob. Our community has worked so hard this year so that one day every child gets a chance to play and we are so proud!”

All of our efforts benefit our sole beneficiary: The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which honors the memory of Andrew, a 14-year-old student-athlete from Wilmington, Delaware. 

On January 27th, 2007, Andrew helped lead his team to victory in a Pennsylvania state championship soccer tournament. Within 48 hours, he was in cardiac arrest. The diagnosis was AML leukemia. The doctors didn’t expect Andrew to live through the night. Amazingly, Andrew fought for 167 days and went to Heaven on July 14th, 2007.

The B+ Foundation, named after Andrew’s blood type, is now the largest provider of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer in the United States, helping nearly 3,000 families this year. Additionally, The B+ Foundation has provided funding to over 150 critical, cutting-edge childhood cancer research projects at top institutions globally. The B+ Foundation is also a Co-Founder of the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) and member of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer.

Since its inception in 2007, UDance has made a significant impact on the B+ Foundation and the assistance it has been able to provide to families of children with cancer. To date, the funds raised by UDance have assisted over 10,000 families (and counting) and funded childhood cancer research to expand our efforts from assisting families that are currently affected by childhood cancer, to also helping improve the future of children with cancer.

In addition to financial assistance for families and research, UDance also provides emotional support and a safe space for families and children going through potentially the most difficult time of their lives.

Some of the children we assist, also known as our B+ Heroes, are paired with Greek chapters, athletic teams, Registered Student Organizations, and residence halls at UD. Through the pairings, the UD students are able to form long-lasting friendships and provide hope to these children. UDance provides an outlet for kids going through so much to just be kids. 

As explained by UDance Assistant Director, Bridget Bianco, "Many of our B+ Heroes wait all year to attend UDance each spring, and throughout the year, they have opportunities to attend hangouts with their UD student-family and truly just be kids! One of the most incredible moments as a member of the Executive Board is witnessing the first-hand impact college students have on the lives of children not only paired with our organizations, but everywhere." 

While UDance and The B+ Foundation make a difference in the lives of families of children with cancer in many incredible ways, none of it would be possible without YOU! The funds used to assist 10,000+ families and fund research grants for the past 16 years through UDance have all come from fundraising by the students at UD and the numerous UDance donors.

Choose to utilize your time as a student at UD to not only shape your future, but to instill hope in the future of families of children with cancer. Assistant Director, Olivia Andrisani shared, "My favorite part of being involved with UDance the past four years has been getting to know our B+ Heroes and their families. They truly inspire me and the whole UDance community each and everyday and remind all of us that every child deserves a chance to grow up." Begin or continue your UDance involvement this Sunday as we dance for 12 hours for a smile, for a life, for a cure.

For more information about the day-of UDance 2022, click HERE.