There is no denying that DanceBlue is an impressive organization. In its first year, the 24-hour dance marathon raised $123,323.16 for the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic.

Now, in its fourth year, DanceBlue raised a record $600,888.82. Breaking another record, 605 dancers participated and over 350 people volunteered on Friday and Saturday in Memorial Coliseum, according to a Monday Kernel article.

All proceeds directly benefit the Oncology Clinic, and while this is an important cause, perhaps more emphasis should be placed on providing financial support for the families. The popular slogan of DanceBlue pronounces that the event is “For the Kids,” but when a kid has cancer, their entire family structure is altered. Parents often have to sell their homes, quit their jobs and move in order to pay medical bills and take their children to treatments. Though the money donated for cancer research is beneficial in the long run, many families are hurting now. If more money were allotted to specific family needs, the organization would be more helpful.

Volunteers should also keep in mind that childhood cancer is more than a once-a-year event. Though many students remain involved with the organization all year, most do not. During the course of fundraising for DanceBlue, many students spend time with children and their families. These bonds should not be broken when the dancing stops. Before students get involved in a child’s life, they must realize the type of damage they can do to an already vulnerable child by exiting their life abruptly.

Despite criticism that DanceBlue is for the Greeks, both Greek and non-Greek participants are often changed by their experiences with the organization. Like any new fundraiser, there are still some kinks to be worked out, but after only four years, DanceBlue is changing some hearts.