Katie Hayden 2023

RaiseRED is an 18-hour dance marathon and the largest student-run philanthropic organization of the University of Louisville.  As a Children’s Miracle Network dance marathon, students raise awareness and funds year-round focusing on children, families, and professionals fighting pediatric cancer and blood disorders.

Last year, students at UofL were able to raise over $520,000! In 2023, we hope to raise even more because Kids Can’t Wait. 100% of funds donated to raiseRED benefits kids and the people who help them fight. Donations are equally split between patient needs at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute (NCCI), affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, and research conducted at the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology division.

Patient needs include necessary things families need during treatment, as well as providing funds to hire clinical staff, social workers, and other professionals to help provide support throughout the course of a patient’s treatment.  As an example, raiseRED was able to provide funding to hire a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) who will help children overcome life’s most challenging events. 

Funds designated for research supports doctors and their teams to perform treatment studies, build labs, and conduct research to make strides towards finding effective therapies leading to cures for patients.

RaiseRED hopes to continue helping the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and the UofL Department of Pediatrics because Kids Can’t Wait!