MEET THE 2020-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD AND WHY WE'RE FTK!
Click on the images to read about why we are For The Kids!
--- Caroline Powell --- Executive Director
I‘m FTK because everyone should have the opportunity to have a childhood. CNM helps sick children get the care they need, so they can live a healthy and happy life. I want to do my part to help such a wonderful organization make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
--- Claire Long --- Executive Director
I am FTK because it’s important to let kids be kids and give them the best childhood possible. Dance Marathon helps allow kids to have a happy and fun time even while in the hospital. Hearing the kids stories during the event makes me want to push and help these kids even more!
--- Grace Hensley --- Social Media
I am FTK because I think that each and every child deserves the chance to have a normal childhood no matter the circumstances that they are faced with. Simply put, every kid deserves to be a kid. Seeing the impact Ladue DM has first hand inspires me to help with this great cause!
--- Ellie Gold --- Technology
I am FTK because I want every kid to have a childhood that they will remember for a lifetime. I am so happy to be part of an organization that puts smiles on kids faces.
----- Megan Byer ----- Dancer Relations
I am FTK because of the amazing way it makes me feel knowing how much I have impacted a child’s life. Helping to raise money in order to better the experience for kids in the children’s hospitals is such a rewarding feeling. Dance marathon is a fundraiser that I have participated in both my freshman and sophomore years and I could not be more excited to continue raising money for the next 2. All the miracle kids deserve nothing but a happy and healthy life, free of pain and suffering. I am beyond grateful that I have the opportunity to be a part of making that come true.
---- Leona Stern ---- Dancer Relations
I am FTK because I think that every kid deserves a chance to live their lives to the fullest. It is so inspiring to see what a huge impact dance marathon makes. Raising money and supporting kids is such a rewarding experience and I love helping to make a difference in their lives.
-- Lucy Lochmoeller -- Dancer Relations
I’m FTK because having to grow up in and out of hospitals can take a toll on a child’s, and their family’s, happiness. I think knowing a whole community of supporters and people that have your back can help bring back in some of that happiness and positivity into their lives. They deserve the same childhood and support system as everyone else, and Dance Marathon helps bring them that.
--- Sarah Suffian --- Finance
I am FTK because I have seen how the efforts through Ladue DM have impacted the lives of the children and families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon. These kids are amazing and it is important that we help make their tough days even a little better! Seeing their smiling faces at the event makes it all worth it!
--- Julia Tullman --- Fundraising
I’m FTK because I have seen the positive impact that Ladue DM has made on the lives of countless children across the St. Louis area. What we do is about more than one day of happiness; our efforts help lead to a lifetime of health and joy for the deserving kids.
--- Samantha Fischer --- Fundraising
I am FTK because each year I am inspired by the miracle families' stories to make a difference in any way that I can. I want to help CMN support these kids through the tough times and put smiles on all of their faces.
--- Maggie Lawton --- Fundraising
Hi i’m Maggie Lawton and I'm FTK because it is amazing to see the Miracle Kids have time to experience their childhoods and actually be a kid. Getting to see them dance and smile at the event all day shows how important the movement is and that what we do can make a difference. I believe that what we do can change lives, so FTK all day!!
--- Caroline Bernstein --- Morale
I am FTK because every kid should have the ability to live their life to the fullest. The money raised contributes to improving these kids' lives in so many different ways. I want to do everything in my power to help.
----- Adam Poger ----- Morale
I am FTK because I have seen the direct impact that Dance Marathon has on children’s lives. Every child deserves the right to be celebrated and have positive childhood experiences. These kids are unbelievably resilient and raising awareness for them is extremely rewarding.
---- Lily Klein ---- Entertainment
I am FTK because Dance Marathon has been a big part of my life the past three years, and has been nothing but rewarding to me. I love watching the miracle kids letting go of their challenges for a day, and take a day to just be a kid. It melts my heart and I couldn’t be any happier to be a part of this meaningful and empowering experience for them.
--- Caroline Tyrrell --- Entertainment
I am FTK because my favorite childhood memories are from when I was running around playing games, but the kids in the hospitals don’t get to have those opportunities. I’m happy to be a part of DM so that I can help each kid create enjoyable memories.
--- Linsdey Byer --- Logistics
I am FTK because every kid deserves to be creative and have fun. The Children’s Miracle Network gives children the opportunity to be a kid even when they might not feel like it. Seeing the Miracles kids faces light at Dance Marathon gives me chills because I know I helped put a smile on that child’s face. FTK forever.
--- Ava Bussman --- Logistics
I’m FTK because every kid deserves the opportunity to experience a good and fun childhood outside of hospitals. Throughout my time at Ladue, I have seen how Ladue Dance Marathon has positively impacted so many children’s lives and supported numerous families. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization and see the big smiles on kids’ faces every year!
-- Jack Vanlandingham -- Corporate Partners
I am FTK because I believe every kid should have fun memories to look back on. Kids no matter their ability should be able to come together and enjoy their childhood, all for a good cause.
--- Zubin Mathew --- Corporate Partners
I’m FTK because being able to help to better the lives of children in the hospital is an amazing thing and because spending time in a hospital is a life-changing thing for anyone and being able to help make that time more bearable is amazing.
--- Erin Turkieltaub --- Miracle Family Relations
I am FTK because nothing is worse than being sick, especially when you are a kid. By being a part of Dance Marathon I get to work towards making the lives of these kids a little bit better. I think that CMN is an amazing organization and I am so lucky to be a part of it. I can’t wait to put a huge smile on the faces of kids who deserve it most!!
--- Tyler Deutsch --- Miracle Family Relations
I am FTK because I love spreading amusement and positivity to kids and their families going through a rough time. While doing this we are also raising money for such a great cause to help our miracle families and other families in similar situations.
------ Julia Lane ------ Miracle Family Relations
I’m FTK because every child deserves to have the best childhood possible, despite any medical conditions they may face. The money that we raise for Dance Marathon does so much for the CMN hospitals and families and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it!
Mrs. Blank and Mr. Farrell Faculty Sponsors
Mrs. Blank: I'm FTK because my daughter was in the NICU for 5 weeks when she was born, and I'm in awe of the people and programs dedicated to the care of children and the miracles they make happen!
Mr. Farrell: I am FTK because every life is precious! We all deserve to live a life of dignity and I hope that Ladue DM will help bring hope to every child and family touched by the efforts of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis!
Mr. Farrell: I am FTK because every life is precious! We all deserve to live a life of dignity and I hope that Ladue DM will help bring hope to every child and family touched by the efforts of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis!