During Zumbathon on Friday, a senior's hard work and determined fundraising for the American Cancer Society is about to pay off.
LeeAnn Wilcox is an English education major and her honor's thesis is in partnership with Relay For Life. Wilcox is working with physical education instructor Amanda Salyer-Funk as her adviser.
Wilcox chose Zumba because of her passion for the exercise. She also decided to raise money for the American Cancer Society for her grandmother, who passed away last December.
"I wanted to use the great benefit of Zumba to raise money for cancer research in my grandmother's honor," she said.
Zumbathon is part of Relay For Life this year. There will be an instructional time for those unfamiliar with dance moves around 7:15 p.m. before the Zumbathon that runs from 8 to 10:30 p.m. There will also be a health fair from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. as well as a silent auction.
Wilcox has participated in Zumbathons in the past, but she said she is excited because this year is the first one she has organized and hosted. In the past, there have been about 70-80 participants, and Wilcox said she is hoping for an increase.
"[My goal is] between 200-300 [people], but any amount is better than no one," she said.
Everyone is able to register to participate at this event. There is a $10 minimum donation. To register, visit the Relay For Life website at bsurelay.org or attend the event Friday. Participants do not need to dance the entire time, but Wilcox said the event is symbolic of the journey cancer patients face.
"You understand the feeling of being so tired but knowing you have to fight on because there's a greater purpose to your battle," Wilcox said.
Salyer-Funk said she is positive about the turnout of the event and that the Zumbathon will be successful.
"If we can in some way be encouraging and supportive and acknowledge that the journey is tough, and that we're on their team, we're there to back them up," Salyer-Funk said. "That would be successful to me."
Cody Adams, co-chair of Relay For life, said this is the first year the relay will be working with a student's project. He said he's impressed with the hard work Wilcox has put into her project and partnership with Relay For Life.
"[Wilcox] has pretty much organized the entire Zumbathon event on her own," the junior human resource management major said. "We've just been working with her trying to provide her with resources she needs. [Zumbathon] has turned out great; she's been great to work with and definitely has the drive to make sure it goes well."
This will also be the first year Relay For Life will be held inside. Adams said he hopes the event will raise awareness for the relay. Adams also said Zumbathon will be something different for the relay.
"So hopefully going to an event like this will raise awareness and bring more people to relay this year," he said.
Wilcox said Zumbathon is a great way to give back and show support.
"I've seen what kind of impact Zumba can make and how you can use it as a tool," she said. "[Zumbathon] is a really special event where we will be able to use a fitness program such as Zumba to really make a difference in the world."
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