Why We Do It: The Mission Behind raiseRED
For many children and their families, being in the hospital is one of the hardest experiences they can go through. Between treatments, long hospital visits, and the uncertainty that comes with an illness, families have a lot to deal with. During these times, they need more than just medical care. They need support, resources, and a community that is willing to stand beside them. That is where raiseRED comes in.
raiseRED is a student-led organization at the University of Louisville that raises money and awareness for children and families at Norton Children’s Hospital. What started as a small group of students wanting to make a difference has grown into a community-wide effort to support families when they need it most.
Originally known as the University of Louisville Dance Marathon, raiseRED began in 2006 with around 80 students who raised $4,500 for Kosair Children’s Hospital, now known as Norton Children’s Hospital. Since then, raiseRED has grown tremendously, raising more than $6 million to support children and their families. While that growth is something to be proud of, what matters most is how the money raised helps make a difference in these families’ lives.
raiseRED helps fund many resources and services that children and their families rely on during their time in the hospital. This includes social workers and child life specialists, who help families through difficult situations and help children cope with being in the hospital. We also help provide resources such as portable chemotherapy bells, kid-friendly bandages, pill takers, games, stickers, a snack pantry, and a phlebotomy chair.
Some of these resources might seem small, but they can make a big difference. Games and stickers can give children something fun to focus on during a long hospital visit. Kid-friendly bandages and pill takers can make certain parts of treatment a little easier. Even small things can help make an experience that is already difficult feel a little less overwhelming.
One resource that is especially meaningful is the portable chemotherapy bell. When a child finishes cancer treatment, ringing a bell gives them a chance to celebrate everything they have been through and the milestone they have reached. It is a reminder that even during some of the hardest moments, there are still things worth celebrating.
Along with these resources, raiseRED also works with the Kentucky Blood Center to support blood donation efforts. Blood donations are important for patients who need transfusions during cancer treatment, surgeries, and other medical procedures. Through these efforts, we can help support patients in another way and remind people that there are many ways to make a difference.
So, why do we do all of this? Because every kid deserves to be a kid.
Children should have the opportunity to enjoy being young, spending time with their families, and making memories. A serious illness can make that difficult, and it affects more than just the child. It affects their entire family. raiseRED gives students and members of the community a way to come together and help make these experiences a little easier for the families who need it most.
That is what the 12 Days of raiseRED is all about. Over these 12 days, we will be sharing more about our organization, the work we do, and why our mission matters. The dance marathon is more than just an event where students come together to dance and have fun. It is a chance to support something bigger than ourselves and be part of a community that is working toward a meaningful goal.
The more people who get involved, the more we can accomplish. Every person who registers for the dance marathon has the opportunity to fundraise, spread awareness, and encourage others to support our mission. You do not have to have years of experience with raiseRED to make a difference. Whether you have been involved for a long time or are just learning about us, there is a place for you.
At the end of the day, raiseRED is about coming together for children and families who need our support. What began with around 80 students in 2006 has grown into an organization that continues to make an impact in our community. As we begin these 12 days, we hope you will take the time to learn more about raiseRED and consider joining us when registration opens.
Every dollar raised, every person who gets involved, and every effort to spread awareness helps us continue our mission. Together, we can make a difference for children and their families, one day at a time.
We do this because kids can’t wait.
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