On March 18, UMKC and the B+ Foundation held a talent/pageant show to raise money and support the cause of childhood cancer. The show was run by Greek members of the B+ board, in partnership with the family and friends of B+ hero Brooke.
At UMKC’s Student Union Auditorium, supporters gathered to view different skills of UMKC students. Performances at the show varied from talents of dancing, singing, comedy and more judged by the B+ heroes and their family.
B+ heroes are kids who have battled cancer or are still in the fight. B+ hero’s have the opportunity to start a B+ hero fund to encourage and enable friends and supporters in funding childhood cancer research.
The B+ Foundation is a national charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families from our Local Children’s Mercy hospital. The foundation is one of the largest providers of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer in the United States
“Our B+ pageant was a way of bringing our local B+ heroes and allowing them to enjoy a night full of something without stress or worrying about a diagnosis or funds,” said Alana Lopez, B+ board member and coordinator at the event.
At the event, students could donate to the foundation and its cause, all proceeds went towards supporting childhood cancer patients.
“To be able to do this talent show and see everyone come together, it’s extremely fulfilling work,” said Colton Stewart, a student worker at the event. “It’s one of the big joys I get out of this, being able to bring everyone together for a noble cause.”
UMKC students can support the B+ Foundation via their website, https://www.bepositive.org/.
Students can also help by donating to either the B+ foundation or any cancer research facility. Students can also support in the fight by attending B+ Foundation events.
“It’s just a great way for the community to come together, do some physical activities, and have some fun while doing it,” Baran Basu, B+ board member and coordinator at the event stated. “It’s been pretty awesome to see all of Greek life unified under one cause.”
Even though the event was entertainment based, speakers took time to discuss deeply about the importance of cancer funding and treatment. The goal of this event was to inform supporters how they can assist those in need while bringing some entertainment and fun to UMKC.
“People do need that support and these kids have phenomenal strength,” Baran Basu said. “It’s important to share that with the rest of the world.”
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