STAGATHON:

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY'S DANCE MARATHON

Becoming part of an organization that benefits local children's hospitals is a life changing experience for students at universities all over the nation. The Children’s Miracle Network, (CMN), gathers students across the nation as one generation fighting for the next. CMN raises awareness and funds for over 170 Children’s Hospitals to help provide critical treatments, healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, and more for children in need. 

….but what does this have to do with FairfieldU? 

Enter Stagathon: FairfieldU’s very own Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. 

When current senior, Lilli Cribbin, transferred to FairfieldU her sophomore year, she felt only one thing was missing, a dance marathon. Lilli came from OklahomaU and had the opportunity of being a committee member for her school's dance marathon, Soonerthon. After interacting with the children from their local children's hospital and witnessing first hand where the efforts of Soonerthon's labor went, such as the first dialysis unit in the state, a new oncology unit, the first eating disorder unit in OKC, and new mental health services, Lilli knew she had to act on the opportunity to bring about change here in Fairfield County. 

Starting in 2017, Lilli founded Fairfield U’s first dance marathon, Stagathon. Stagathon raises money for our local CMN hospital, the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Stagathon is a year long fundraiser that culminates into a day long dance marathon in the spring here on campus. This is a day for our miracle children, Maria Ferari patients, to just be kids- no doctors or hospital beds. Just fun games, food, and of course, dancing. My freshman year I attended Stagathon ‘18 as a participant. The moment during the event that made me realize that I needed to become a part of this incredible organization was the Circle of Hope. While I’d like to describe this moving moment that easily brings people to tears, I feel it is most influential if you experience it for yourself. That is why I encourage you to attend this year’s Stagathon with the hope you feel the same emotional pull towards helping these children as I did. In its first year Stagathon raised over $16,000 and over $20,000 in its second year. This year, the club’s goal is to raise $25,000 with funds primarily going to Maria Fareri’s NICU renovation, securing its position as the top pediatric trauma center in Fairfield county. Please consider registering and donating for this year's event. Stagathon will be held on March 28th from 2-6pm in the Dogwoods and Oakroom. Through this link you can register, make a team with your friends, and donate to Stagathon. Help us provide a lifetime of opportunities for these children. Use code “LEAP” for 40% off registration! Also, go check out Stagathon’s merch store (proceeds from this store will also benefit Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital. )Join us as we stand for the children who can’t! 

We hope to see you at the event! 

Always FTK,

Liza Rozenberg and Dominique Gambino♡