Dance marathon will raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis

Bobby Batyko

The second annual Rock ‘Till You Drop dance marathon will take place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Center Ballroom.

The Rock ‘Till You Drop dance competition is designed to spread awareness about cystic fibrosis and raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The grand prize this year is a Kindle Fire. Pre-registration is now open on the Kent Interhall Council website. It is a free event but donations are welcome.

Kent State’s Interhall Council founded the event after one of its most active members, Samantha Lehman, passed away from cystic fibrosis in February 2012.

One of Samantha’s closest friends, Katie Fridley, senior communication studies major, helped organize the event.

The event allows Interhall Council to not only raise funds for a cure, but also educates students about the disease, Fridley said.

Cassie Baden, freshman pre-fashion merchandising major, said she is interested in attending Rock ‘Till You Drop.

“I would love to be able to say I was a part of the event,” Baden said. “The fact that the event honors the memory of Samantha, who was tragically lost to [cystic fibrosis], should make everyone want to be a part of this.”

Daniel Domen, sophomore biotechnology major, said he is also interested in attending the event.

“I think it’s a good idea. By offering incentives you get people interested who might not have thought of it. Then, while they’re there, they get interested,” Domen said.

The first Rock ‘Till You Drop raised $300 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation earlier this year. The National Association of College and University Residence Halls selected the event as the national “Community Service Program of the Month” for April 2012.

“You get to dance, win prizes, make a difference and celebrate the life of a beautiful person,” Baden said.

Contact Bobby Batyko at [email protected].