"Why I Stand"
Get To Know The Executive Board
Loren Ranson
Executive Director
Senior
Psychology Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I love what GC Miracle is about; it combines the energy of college students with the passion of being a kid. Being a part of the GC Miracle family is such an honor, and I want to do anything I can to get more people involved.
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
There are two moments from Dance Marathon last year that I will always remember.
First, is when the first family spoke; you could feel a shift in energy as the dancers were able to grasp the reason they were all there. Hearing the families speak gives such a concrete vision on why standing for 12 hours and raising money is so important to the hospital.
Second, is seeing the total reveal. We worked so hard all year long, and seeing that we had beaten our goal was the best moment of my life. The hospital can do so much with that $42,117.90 and it is truly going to make a difference in the children’s lives, which is the most important!
Do you know someone that has benefited from the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals?
No, not personally, but hearing the families stories is always so inspiring. I can’t imagine what they go through daily, yet they still have such a positive outlook on life.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
Watching 18 strangers bond over the same great cause and becoming a family. We are such a diverse group, but we all have this one thing in common: a drive to help the children at The Children’s Hospital.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
This is our 10th Dance Marathon, so I’m excited to reflect on how far we’ve come, and see how much more we can grow. I also can’t wait to work with the families because they are so inspirational and the reason we work so hard all year long.
Zachary Williams
Communications Manager
Sophomore
Biology Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I wanted to be involved because I love to see the impact that GC Miracle and Dance Marathon has on the children and families of Children’s Miracle Network. Any little thing that I can do to benefit or raise money for these children is well worth the effort that it takes. I want to see how I can help grow the program in order to reach it’s full potential.
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
My favorite memory is from this year's Dance Marathon, I loved watching Wyatt (one of our GC Miracle kids) jam along to the bands and get everyone super hyped up!
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
My favorite part about being on Exec Board is the ability to meet and work with so many awesome, creative and talented people for one common goal.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited to see how far we can take GC Miracle and Dance Marathon this upcoming year. The past year was incredible, but building off of that will make it exponentially better. I want to assist as many children and families as possible. I can’t wait to see progress!
David Dietz
Internal Chair
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I first wanted to be on the Exec Board because it gave me the opportunity to promote a great cause. But after being on the Exec Board for a year, I have seen that it’s so much more than that. What we do makes others smile. We help families get their children the care they need. We bring our community together for a common goal and show people what Georgia College can do.
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
My favorite memory was at last year's Dance Marathon when the total was revealed. If you want an adrenaline rush, seeing how much money you can raise with the work you’ve done is a good one.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
My favorite part is the new friends being made this year. I’m excited for meeting and working with a whole new group of people.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I’m most excited about seeing what this year’s Dance Marathon can bring to the table!
Sophomore
Computer Science &
Criminal Justice Major
Jaime Newton
External Chair
Sophomore
Community Health Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I I wanted to be on the Exec Board because I have had such incredible memories from Dance Marathon the past two years; I couldn’t imagine not being involved! The Children’s Miracle Network is so near to my heart and I love getting to work with people who share the same passion. I love getting the opportunity to visit the children in the hospital and see face to face where all our hard work is going. I encourage everyone to get involved in some way. It’s the greatest thing I have ever done at Georgia College!
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
My favorite memory from dance marathon would have to be going with some of my sorority sisters and dancing the day away. We all loved listening to the children’s stories because it gave such meaning to why we were standing and dancing for those twelve hours. I am so fortunate to have gotten to experience Dance Marathon 2013, and I cannot wait for 2014! Going to dance marathon is a decision I will always be glad I made because it has brought me to being on exec board now!
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
My favorite part about being on exec board so far has been the new friendships I have gained and the memories I have already begun to form. I am looking forward to an awesome year ahead.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited about making this a year that is truly “for the kids”. This year I want to see a year where we raise more than last year, but I also want it to be a year where our campus as a whole becomes aware of GC Miracle. Also, I look forward to a year of getting to know the children and the hospital.
Chelsea LeFave
Entertainment
Junior
Marketing Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I wanted to be on the Exec Board because I have had such incredible memories from Dance Marathon the past two years; I couldn’t imagine not being involved! The Children’s Miracle Network is so near to my heart and I love getting to work with people who share the same passion. I love getting the opportunity to visit the children in the hospital and see face to face where all our hard work is going. I encourage everyone to get involved in some way. It’s the greatest thing I have ever done at Georgia College!
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
My favorite memory is the total reveal from last years’ Dance Marathon. I’ll never forget how nervous I was standing on stage hand in hand with everyone on the exec board just praying we reached our goal of $40,000. I honestly have never had such an adrenalin rush in my life when the total flashed on stage! I just remember crying uncontrollable tears of happiness and dancing the rest of the night away in celebration that we did it. Let’s just say I’ll never forget the number 42,117.90!
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
I love getting the opportunity to serve people in my community, especially children. If I can help a child forget about how sick they are for just one day of their life it can make all the difference. I also love getting the opportunity to work with so many different people at Georgia College. It’s such a cool experience to see a group of random students come together and instantly click over such an amazing cause.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am so excited that this is GC Miracle’s 10th anniversary! It’s crazy to see how much it has grown over the years and I am so excited to see what this year’s incredible exec board is bringing to the table!
Morgan Barrett
Hospitality
Sophmore
Marketing Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I was on the logistics committee last year with David. I got to attend Dance Marathon and see how wonderful it was and had a great experience, so I decided I wanted to be apart of making the Dance Marathon for 2014 even better For The Kids. I want to try and raise even more money for CMN.
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
I loved getting to meet the families and hearing each of their stories. It is great to hear how they have all benefited from the CMN and how appreciative they are for all the support.
Do you know someone that has benefited from the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals?
Yes, two of my cousins, Benjamin and Judson, have spent time at the CMN in Birmingham, Alabama. Benjamin’s esophagus was not connected to his stomach when he was born and he was deaf in one ear. Today he is a healthy, but still has a hard time swallowing large amounts of food. But, he has gained most of his hearing in his left ear. He just finished what should be his last surgery and should only have to go back for regular checkups every 3 months. My other cousin Judson was born with air and meconium in his lungs, which is called pneumothorax. After six long weeks in the NICU he has recently been able to come home, but still healing so not allowed many visitors.
What is something others may not know about you?
When I was born I had a disease that caused me to be born without any white blood cells and had to spend good amount of time in a children’s hospital, so in the future I would love to get the chance to work at a children’s hospital as an event planner, hosting many fundraising events in order to help continue the great work they do.
Kelsey Stone
Hospital/Family Relations
Junior
Liberal Studies Major
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I have always thought GC Miracle was an amazing organization. I knew I wanted to become more involved with it, but it was after my nephew was one of the miracle children at this past dance marathon that I became interested in applying for the executive board and having the opportunity to work with more kids and families who have benefitted from CMN.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle?
My favorite memory is when my sister, her husband, and Elwin got to go on stage and share their story at Dance Marathon.
Do you know someone that has benefited from the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals?
Yes, my nephew Elwin spent the first 3 months of his life in the NICU at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. The NICU is part of the Children’s Hospital in Macon, and therefore CMN raises funds to benefit the place that saved Elwin’s life.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
Having the opportunity to work with some amazing people, and getting to meet and share the stories of our miracle families.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am excited to begin fundraising and work hard towards our goal!
Mary Grace McRee
Morale
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I wanted to be involved because I absolutely love Dance Marathon. Every year I have had so much fun and I wanted to be more a part of what makes Dance Marathon amazing. Children’s Miracle Network is a remarkable organization that gives kids a second chance at enjoying and living life. I wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than myself. I wanted to be a part of something that helps give hope and opportunity.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory was last year when the grand total was revealed. I was in tears. Watching the exec from last year celebrate was so great, and I knew in that moment I wanted to be a part of that.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
Getting to know people that you would not normally know. I already feel like we are becoming such a little family and it is only the beginning!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am excited to get a ton of new participants and show them the best 12 hours ever! I am excited to work with this awesome exec board to make the best Dance Marathon yet!!!
Junior
Exorcise Science
Mike Murphy
Media
Why do you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I am excited to be on the exec board this year because I am excited to see GC Miracle grow. Last year was a huge year for us and I want to bring that momentum into this year.
What is your favorite memory of GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory of DM would have to be last year's reveal. I was the only person that knew the total amount raised and I made the reveal video. It was so hard keeping it a secret and not letting my face show that we had reached our goal. One of the best moments of my life was watching everyone react and seeing the excitement on everyone's face when they realized we reached our goal. Everyone--including the dancers--worked so hard to make last year's DM a success, it was so rewarding to know that all of our hard work helped us raise so much money for the hospital and to make the lives better for the kids.
Favorite part about being on the executive board?
I enjoy working with passionate people and inspiring others to help the kids.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming year?
Expanding our reach on campus and DM!
Graduate Student
English
Rebecca Cherry
Participant Relations
Junior
Community Health
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I first wanted to join the exec board because of the three Dance Marathons I had attended as a volunteer before I came to Georgia College. I had seen the joy, amazement, and change DM can have on someone. I like to believe DM taught me how to come out of my quiet shell and be silly and crazy all for the kids!
Do you know someone who has benefitted from the Children's Miracle Network hospitals?
When I was in high school my close family friend went to a CMN Hospital for a routine back surgery to straighten out his spine. In recovery he had a seizure that lead to his spinal cord being cut off from the blood supply. He spent weeks in the PICU without any feeling in his legs. The moment that he moved his toes I knew this hospital was an amazing place. I knew that I wanted to make this my life’s work. Once he moved his toes everyone in the PICU was cheering and so happy for him. He is now almost 100% recovered. The passion that I saw in those doctors is something I want to bring to this campus; I want everyone to have a passion to make children’s lives better.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory every year is the feeling of nerves and excitement right before the total is revealed, and the instant feeling of accomplishment no matter the total, because it will benefit these kids and our hospital. My favorite moment from last year was seeing how excited Wyatt was to wear his Jetpack we made for him!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am excited to see the new ideas that new members have and the way that we are working things out to make dance marathon the best it can be! And as always I am most excited to see all the kids at DM!
Michael Ochs
Finance
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I want to involved on Exec board because after seeing all the success from last year, I want to be able to help improve on that. It is a truly rewarding feeling seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces and knowing that what you are doing is helping to improve their lives.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
One memory that sticks out is the kids dancing on the stage at the carnival we had in the spring. It was great to see them having fun and also to see how our efforts can have such an impact on them.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
My favorite part about being on exec board is working with and getting to know the awesome people on it. I can already see that they are as passionate as I am about helping the kids. I know this will be a great year!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited about improving Dance Marathon and working towards the goal we set. It is truly a great feeling to work towards something that is so much bigger than one person. I know with the great group of people we have on the exec board that we will be able to reach our goal!
Sophomore
Economics
Michael Morris
Alumni Relations
Why did you want to be involved with GC Miracle?
I wanted to be involved with GC Miracle because I work at the GIVE Center and every time the Exec Board came to meet last year it sounded like they were having a blast. So I said to myself, “Self we are gonna try our very best to be on that board next year.”
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory of GC Miracle was being a participant at this past years Dance Marathon. It was an absolute blast and everyone should come out next year!
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
My favorite part about being on exec board is all the good memories we will undoubtedly make.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited to make long last friendships.
Senior
History
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
I wanted to become involved with GC Miracle because Dance Marathon is my favorite event on campus! I’ve participated as a dancer and morale leader the past two years and wanted to become more involved with an organization that represents such an incredible cause. Children’s Miracle Network is an organization that I have fortunately had the opportunity of being involved with in the past. From Lighthouse Family Retreat to volunteering at the Children’s Hospital of Macon, I’ve been privileged to personally get to know some of the children who I now dance for.
What is your favorite memory from working with GC Miracle?
My favorite memory is from last year's Dance Marathon. I loved getting the opportunity to be a morale leader. I had so much fun pumping up the Lime Green team and dancing for twelve hours straight!
Do you know someone that has benefited from the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals?
All of the kids I’ve had the privilege of meeting through my Lighthouse retreats have benefited from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, as well as my brother Matt, who was treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a spinal cord tumor.
What is your favorite part about being on the executive board?
Getting to work with a group of people that have come together for a cause that I hold so close to my heart. I cannot wait to see where this upcoming year brings us!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited to promote GC Miracle and Dance Marathon by expanding our involvement on campus and within our community.
Molly McDonald
Fundraising
Junior
Early Childhood
Do you know someone who has benefitted from the Children's Miracle Network?
My little brother was treated at CHOA for an arachnoid cyst. The nurses and doctors were incredible! They answered every question we had and made him feel as comfortable and happy as possible. I also underwent a few surgeries at CHOA, and I just fell in love with the atmosphere there. The whole staff was so inspiring and so upbeat! No matter what happened, they kept us thinking positively with their enthusiastic attitudes.
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
I wanted to help this amazing organization!
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory was the night before Dance Marathon. When we left after decorating that night, the inside of the Centennial Center was aglow. It had not even started, and I already was in love with DM 2013!
What is your favorite part about being on executive board?
My favorite part definitely has to be that I get to help create DM.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I am most excited to grow GC Miracle leading up to DM 2014 and to have the biggest and best DM ever in 2014!
Sophomore
Management
Kelsey Oakes
Outreach
Nicole Henschel
Junior
Marketing
Do you know someone who has benefitted from the Children's Miracle Network?
Yes, a close family friend, Lainey Barfield who has come to DM before. She has personally gotten a lot of help from CMN because she has spina bifida, so she has had multiple surgeries and will continue to benefit from their care.
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
I just became really passionate about the cause and wanted to be more involved and help more.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My freshman year I had so much fun at DM, my favorite was definitely dancing with my roommate and other friends and trying to see who knew the morale dance the best.
What is your favorite part about being on executive board?
Getting to meet new people and all come together for the same cause!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
A fresh start and meeting lots of new people!
Whitney Johnson
Senior
Early Childhood
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
I wanted to be involved, because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I love to give back and children are my pasion. This is such a great cause, I am blessed to be a part of it.
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
My favorite memory so far was filming the staff into video, it was so much fun!
What is your favorite part about being on executive board?
We can have fun while we work, nothing is a chore it is all fun!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I can't wait for Dance Marathon, this will be my first and I can't wait to make memories!
Thad Thompson
Senior
Business
Do you have a friend or family member who has benefitted from CMN?
Yes, my Fraternity brother, Austin Childers.
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
For the kids!
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
Painting at the hospital.
What is your favorite part about being on executive board?
Helping grow the organization.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
Spending time at the hospital.
Olivia Morales
Why did you want to be involved with the executive board?
I have heard about GC Miracle since my freshman year and I wanted to get involved with this amazing organization!
What is your favorite memory from GC Miracle or Dance Marathon?
This is my first time bein on the exec board and this will be my first Dance Marathon!
What is your favorite part about being on executive board?
I love being able to work with a group of people who all share the same passion!
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?
I can't wait to see all of our hard work benefit the kids and I'm excited to experience my first Dance Marathon!
Senior
Mass Communications
and Marketing
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