On March 5th, many people gathered to attend the University of Iowa Investiture Ceremony for the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. While the people in attendance ranged vastly from doctors to students to University of Iowa’s president Bruce Harreld, everyone had one thing in common on their heart that afternoon: Dance Marathon and pediatric cancer patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This ceremony celebrated the appointment of David Dickens, MD, to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Chair in Pediatric Oncology, a position established by University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon. This experience was life changing for so many individuals, including several members of Dance Marathon 27’s executive council:
“Going to the investiture as a new member of the Executive Council lit a fire in me to do the absolute most for Dance Marathon 27. After hearing some of the most prominent figures at the University of Iowa profess their gratitude and admiration for Dance Marathon, it solidified that we are so much more than just a student organization. We are all part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Also, listening to Dr. Dickens speak about what his position means to him was empowering. I teared up as I realized the number of miracles he will provide, not only in his research efforts but also in his interactions with our kiddos and families.
The investiture was a perfect kickoff to Dance Marathon 27, and it reminded us of the amazing foundation we have to build off of from 26 years of Dance Marathon.”
- Courtney Becker, Hospital Liaison Director
“Being at the investiture was such a unique experience! I have never been to one before, so I did not fully comprehend how special of an occasion it was until I was there. Hearing all the other faculty members speak so highly of Dr. Dickens really emphasized how impactful he is in every aspect of his everyday life. The kiddos that he treats at the hospital idolize him. And attending that ceremony truly shows that this position was made for him.”
-Shannon McGuire, Executive Chair
“Although the Dance Marathon Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Chair position isn’t something tangible we all can see, it will have incredible effects for years to come. The recipient of this position, Dr. Dickens, will not only be able to provide the best clinical care for our Dance Marathon families, but will be a legacy for this department that will inevitably affect a multitude of patients. I have personally heard so many families speak of Dr. Dickens with the highest regard. They speak about how they are so lucky to have him on their team through their journey. Dr. Dickens has and will continue to provide hope to our patients in their darkest times through excellent clinical practices. We are so lucky to have him and be able to provide for this chair position.”
-Carly Witherall, Family Liaison Director
Dance Marathon has a mission to do whatever we can to fight alongside these kids through their journey. While their journey involves more than the time they spend in the hospital, it is a very important aspect. The time spent in the hospital can be the scariest moments of these kids' lives because in reality, cancer is scary. But what helps these kids to keep fighting is people. People who genuinely care about them and their fight. That is why Dance Marathon created the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Chair in Pediatric Oncology position. Dr. Dickens is a light for these kids fighting for their lives, and Dance Marathon is so thankful to be able to not only establish this position, but have this position filled with such an amazing human, dedicated to the same mission as University of Iowa Dance Marathon: For The Kids.
By: Jenna Vogel, DM 27 Marketing Chair
