UMass Boston Students to Dance for Those Who Can’t

Nora Kelso admits she’s not a professional dancer, or even an amateur. Yet she recognizes that even those who are not the best dancers are able to do something that they might take for granted.

Kelso, a junior psychology major from Tavares, Florida, has started the group UMass Miracles and is heading up UMass Boston’s first Dance Marathon in the Campus Center on Saturday, December 3. The event will raise support and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and specifically Children’s Hospital Boston.

“We stand for children who can’t,” Kelso explains. "They don’t have the opportunity to do something like this, so I think it’s important to give back, and it’s a fun way to give back.”

Kelso says the dance marathon, which will take place in the Campus Center Ballroom from 8 a.m. to midnight, will feature different themes every hour, such as carnival, hoedown, and Caribbean. The day will also include a hypnotist and free food and refreshments. Students will stand on their feet for sixteen hours to show their dedication to the children and families of Children's Hospital Boston. Participants will even have the chance to meet the children the marathon is benefiting. 

Andy is one of the children who have benefited from support given to the Children’s Miracle Network. Andy spent two years in Children’s Hospital Boston with infections in his blood, central nervous system, stomach, lungs, skin, eyes, and bones, before his baby sister could donate the bone marrow that would save his life. Kelso says Andy’s miracle story is one of millions from the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

For Kelso, this cause is personal. Her 12-year-old cousin was treated at Children’s Hospital Boston before passing away. Kelso helped lead a dance marathon while she was a student at the University of North Florida and she hopes the UMass Boston Dance Marathon will become a tradition on her new campus.

“I hope in 10 years, or even 20 years, when I come back to UMass Boston that it’s still going on,” Kelso says.

To learn more about the event or how to make a donation, click here.