With a focus on extracurriculars, I dedicated a lot of time to Dance Marathon at the College of Charleston. Dance Marathon is an on-campus 18-hour event that takes place once year and raises money for the MUSC Children's Hospital. My time on the Dance Marathon Executive Board has included the positions of PR and Media Chair, Entertainment Co-Chair, Fundraising Chair, and Assistant Director. Listed below, I have examples of both media and campus outreach.

PRESS RELEASE:

7 year-old inspires college students with ambitious goal

CHARLESTON, SC--As 7 year- old Mia Turner approaches her fifth year in remission, her inspiring heart teaches College of Charleston students the value of giving back to the community. At her young age, Mia has shown determination to grow her hair long enough to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, an organization that makes real hair wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. Having endured the journey of cancer, Mia has made it her goal to help others who are currently on the same journey, leaving her mark on College of Charleston students who will also cut their hair in support of Mia.

At the tender age of 2, Mia Turner was diagnosed with Leukemia and sent to the Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina. For close to six months, the toddler fought through five rounds of chemotherapy in the oncology ward before winning her battle with cancer. Since her recovery, Mia and her family have been strong supporters of the MUSC Children’s Hospital, attending many events and fundraisers. One of Mia’s favorite events to attend each year is College of Charleston’s Dance Marathon, where she established her ambitious goal and challenged many College of Charleston students to follow in her footsteps.

Lasting 18 hours through the night, College of Charleston’s Dance Marathon raises thousands of dollars each year that directly benefits the MUSC Children’s Hospital. The event is affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network and is one of the largest philanthropic events on the campus. To start off the night right, Mia will cut her hair on stage during the opening ceremony at this year’s event, taking place on March 25th. There will be hairdressers volunteering their time throughout the night for College of Charleston students who also wish to donate their hair.

For more information, go to http://dmatcofc.yolasite.com/ or contact Tess Fortier at (843)696-3083/tfortier@edisto.cofc.edu.