Up 'til Dawn Fights Childhood Cancer

 

Since 2007, Up ‘til Dawn has been fighting the yawn at Arkansas Tech in efforts to raise awareness of St. Jude Research Hospital’s fight against childhood cancer.

Each year, students unite and form teams of five to send letters to loved ones about the work St. Jude does and stories about the children who are being treated.

The Up ‘til Dawn organization participates in a year-long process along with many other colleges and universities nationwide. The Arkansas Tech chapter of Up ’til Dawn has raised more than $50,000 for St. Jude since it’s establishment.

When teams are in place, it’s time to send letters. After sending letters, teams attend in Up ‘til Dawn side events and garner “love points” for participation.

The culmination of the year is celebrated with the finale event. Generally held in Tucker Coliseum, the whole Tech community is invited for the revealing of the total dollars raised for St. Jude. It is also then announced which team has gained the most love points. One team wins the opportunity to visit the hospital in Memphis.

To set up a team, registration forms are available in the Office of Student Services, Doc Bryan Room 202. Teams can be individuals, student organizations, or resident assistant-based. There is a registration fee of $5 per team.

Hannah Curtis, the Arkansas Tech Up ‘til Dawn director reminds us of Danny Thomas’ foundation for the hospital, “No child should die in the dawn of life.”

“It is important for the student body to become involved with Up ’til Dawn because we not only raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital but we raise awareness. We try our best to let people know that with our help, the kids can fight,” Curtis said. “We want them to be able to grow up and have the opportunity to go to college, just like us.”

Thursday, Nov. 4 Up ‘til Dawn is hosting the “Lick-a-thon” (party for mailing letters) in the Young Game Room all day. Anyone who seals 50 or more letters is entered into a drawing to win an iPod.

For more information about Up ‘til Dawn and upcoming events, visit the group’s Facebook page or e-mail Hannah Curtis at hurtis1@atu.edu.

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