Pitt students dance for cancer research

Although recent weather reports predict showers tonight, students will stay outside for a full… Although recent weather reports predict showers tonight, students will stay outside for a full 24 hours to dance for cancer research.

About 100 student contestants, along with their supporters, will challenge themselves to keep moving from 6 p.m. tonight to 6 p.m. Saturday outside on Bigelow Boulevard. The Greek Week’s Annual Dance Marathon generates proceeds to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Thunderstorms might hit Pittsburgh during the marathon, and there is at least a 50 percent chance of rain throughout the contest.

Contestants have reached out to friends, family and businesses to sponsor their dancing. Although it’s too early to know the fundraising amount, senior Matthew Balsbaugh has high expectations for the Pitt Dance Marathon.

“Usually PDM raises $50,000 every year, but now, with more organizations getting involved, we hope to surpass that number,” he said.

The Greeks hope this event will push them toward completing their contract with UPCI, which they signed in 2005 to raise $500,000 to go toward a lung and thoracic cancer research laboratory in Pittsburgh. So far, the members of Pitt’s fraternities and sororities have passed the $400,000 mark.

This year, the Greek community plans on crossing the threshold.

“I think with this money, we’ll be finally hitting that mark,” said senior Nicole Elfner, peer marketing chair of PDM’s board of directors.

Dancing isn’t the only thing planned for the evening. Many events, speakers and different music genres are scheduled to be featured throughout the night — including performances by local bands and DJs and a Techno Hour on Saturday.

Shawn Berry, a cancer survivor who was treated at UPCI, will speak at the Dance Marathon about the importance of donations to cancer research.

To keep students dancing after 17 hours, the Dance Marathon organizers will hold a Rewards Auction at 11 a.m. on Saturday, during which supporters can raise extra money by buying prizes — such as energy drinks — for the contestants..