LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Swain Student Activity Center at the University of Louisville was buzzing. Valerie Tran and hundreds of other students were here for 18 hours — dancing for a cause.

What You Need To Know

  •  Raise Red is the largest student-run philanthropic organization on the campus

  • The students raised $551, 954.66 this year

  • 100% of the donations go toward the patients and their caregivers

Tran, a senior, is the executive director of Raise Red — the largest student-run philanthropic organization on campus.

The mission is to raise money benefiting the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department at the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute outpatient clinic.

“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and make more of an impact,” Tran said. 

The student-run group raises awareness and money all year round for pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients, their families and the professionals caring for them. 

The dance marathon, which started at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and ended at noon on Saturday, is the culmination of the student’s efforts this year.

 Tran says that this event is unique to her four years at UofL.

“It’s just like something you only get to experience during your college years, so it’s very bittersweet to be graduating and also leaving this organization,” Tran said. 

This year, the students raised $551, 954.66. 100% of the donations go toward the patients and their caregivers. 

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