WMU dances for the kids

WINFIELD — Winfield-Mount Union Schools raised money for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon as they hosted their annual Mini Dance Marathon, Saturday.

“WMU Mini Dance Marathon ended up raising $3910.80 for University of Iowa Children's hospital,” event sponsor and WMU teacher Shawna McCabe said.

This year’s event ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and included music from Kustom Karaoke and DJ, a Hula-Hoop contest, limbo, musical chairs, and freeze dance.

Additionally, WMU graduate, former WMU teacher, and current Louisa-Muscatine High School Principal Chris Parkhurst stopped by the event to speak with students.

“We always try to find a local family to come talk to the kids,” McCabe said.

Because the Parkhurst family has experienced the support of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on their journey of diagnosis and treatment for their son, Reed.

In October, Parkhurts’ son, Reed, was diagnosed with Childhood Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a rare disorder that occurs when a child has too many of a certain type of cell called Langerhans cells.

According to a fundraising page specifically designed to support the Parkhurst family, Reed has stayed at the University of Iowa Steadfast Family Children’s Hospital in relation to this diagnosis.

The funds raised through this event benefit families like the Parkhursts.

According to their website, UI Dance Marathon works to “provide emotional and financial support and services for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.”

“Paying to attend, glow stick, tattoo, and water bottle purchases, shirt sales, and all pledge money goes direction to the UI Dance Marathon,” McCabe explained. “Our kids work other fundraising throughout the year to pay for the DJ and anything else we need.”

For the sixth year, WMU successfully hosted their Mini Dance Marathon, and look forward to continuing the tradition.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com