After a six-year hiatus, Dance Thunder will take the Cam Henderson Center by storm once again.
The event, which will take place Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m., is modeled after a large-scale collegiate dance marathon. These events raise significant funds for pediatric cancer research and support families impacted by diagnosis and treatment. While some programs last more than 40 hours, Marshall’s Dance Thunder will bring that same spirit into a 12-hour event filled with performances, music and community engagement.
For Emily Price, the organization’s executive director, the past year has been spent rebuilding the event, fueled by a deeply personal connection to its cause.
“I’m a childhood cancer survivor,” she said. “I knew I wanted to do something that could help the Marshall community and the Huntington community and raise awareness when it comes to childhood cancer.”
However, reviving Dance Thunder has not been a simple task. The organization has not been active since 2019 largely due to COVID. Price took the initiative to relaunch it in April 2025, beginning what would become a year-long process of planning and coordination.
“At first, it was just me,” she said. “Over the summer, there were constant meetings with the foundation and people here at Marshall. Then in August, we finally built an executive board, and from there, we kept pushing forward.”
The team faced a wide range of challenges, from securing a venue and organizing food to managing fundraising efforts and navigating event logistics. Despite those obstacles, Price said the support from her leadership team and campus partners helped keep the vision alive.
“It hasn’t been easy,” she said, “but we have an amazing team, strong advisors and so many people who have supported us along the way.”
Beyond the logistical work, Dance Thunder has also provided Price with a valuable creative outlet, something that contrasts with the demands of her academically rigorous major.
“My studies are very science-based, very structured,” she said. “This has given me a space to be creative again. I’ve always loved things like graphic design and music, and this event lets me tap into that side of myself.”
That creativity plays a key role in shaping the event’s atmosphere. Dance Thunder is designed to feel inclusive and uplifting, particularly for the children and families it supports. Organizers aim to create an environment that allows attendees to feel joy while also connecting to a meaningful cause.
“We want it to be a place where people can have fun but also understand the importance of what we’re supporting,” Price said.
For her, that message carries personal weight. Price was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at the age of 10, beginning a difficult journey that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. While she maintained a sense of optimism during treatment, she said the emotional challenges became more apparent in the years that followed.
“It wasn’t until later that I really processed everything,” she said. “For a long time, I didn’t want to think about it, but eventually, I realized I could either ignore what happened or use it to help others.”
That realization became a turning point. Now through advocacy efforts and leadership roles like Dance Thunder, Price is using her experience to raise awareness and support others facing similar battles.
“We hope people leave understanding that childhood cancer affects so many lives and that even small efforts can make a big difference,” Price said.
Through music, movement and a shared purpose, Dance Thunder aims to turn awareness into action and bring a community together for something bigger than itself.
Those interested in donating or volunteering may contact Emily Price at [email protected].
Jimmy John Jacob can be contacted at [email protected].
