Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.
When 13-year-old Taryn Buckley’s brain began bleeding after
she was thrown from a horse, a helicopter from Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta arrived within minutes.
Physicians started tests before Taryn’s mother and father
arrived. They predicted Taryn had a 20 percent chance of surviving
the night. At best, they said, she won’t ever be the same.
Three years later, Taryn, now 16, is taking four accelerated
courses in high school. She’s pushing her parents to let
her drive.
Sound like a normal teen?
Taryn was the first child transported in a helicopter the hospital
bought through donations raised by dance marathons at UGA and
other Georgia schools.
UGA’s version, a 24-hour bash held at the Ramsey Student
Center for Physical Activities, kicks off at 10 a.m. Jan. 28.
Faculty and staff can attend any portion of the event for $5
per two hours.
Taryn’s mother, Barbara Buckley, says the helicopter ride “saved
precious minutes” and was “the first step toward
saving her.”
“Once a child’s gone through that, it’s hard
to let go and not feel that they’re on borrowed time,” she
says. “You always want to say, ‘No. I don’t
think that’s a safe idea’, but you still want to
let them go skiing and things.”
Dance Marathon Executive Director Matt Garrett says the marathon,
the largest student-run philanthropy project in the Southeast,
is a source of pride for participants.
“All of it, essentially, is UGA students saying we can
sacrifice 24 hours to help out children who have to sacrifice
much more than that,” he says.
To attend, students must pledge to raise $175 for the program.
The marathon caps the students’ fundraising efforts for
the year. Last year, they raised $237,467. The money supports
rehabilitation services for children at the hospital.
The event boasts activities such as live bands, a basketball
tournament, a comedian and more.
“The money really does help kids. You don’t realize
that. You don’t see the far-reaching effects,” says
Barbara Buckley. “These kids don’t have children;
they don’t have a point of reference for children, but
they’re really helping. It makes me optimistic for the
future.”
Since its inception, the UGA event has raised $1.26 million,
the lion’s share of the $1.5 million the program has received
from Georgia schools, says Sharon Robinson, Children’s
Miracle Network coordination with the hospital’s foundation.
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities for
international experiences. Our students are flocking to study-abroad
programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in confronting a
new cultural environment. More and more, students on campus are
also making choices that reflect an understanding of the importance
of global awareness—from living in a residence hall-based
language community to starting a radio program in another language
to minoring in a foreign language. These experiences, whether at
home or abroad, influence how our students perceive the world and
their place in it. We’re producing graduates prepared to
be world citizens—well informed, culturally sensitive and
technologically sophisticated. They’re ready to take on the
challenges of our global society, and they’ll be equally
at home whether in the Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
Since
its inception, the UGA Dance Marathon has raised $1.26 million for
Children’s Miracle Network.
