BREAKING DOWN HEALTHCARE BARRIERS:
Allie Watson, 18 YEARS YOUNG
Who is this Young Pioneer? As the oldest of five children, Allie Watson is a natural-born leader. She is mature beyond her years and has a nurturing heart of gold. As a high school senior in 2020, the year COVID-19 changed the world, Allie graduated from high school with a 3.96 GPA. She was class President freshman-junior year. Her high school resume is impressive. She was vice president of the National Honor Society, played varsity softball and golf, engaged in show choir, advocated for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), participated in Spanish Honor Society, Town Manager’s Advisory Council, and Athletic Leadership Council. Most near to her heart, however, is her role in the Jagathon: IUPUI’s Dance Marathon. Allie began fundraising for this event as a freshman and continues her crusade today, five years later as a freshman at IUPUI. She is one of 786 participants dedicated to helping sick and injured children right here in Indiana. Why is this Important to Allie? The Jagathon raises funds and awareness for the Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Hospital for Children, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Allie has committed to making an impact on the lives of the kids and families in our community who receive treatment at Riley. She continues to fundraise and participate in the Jagathon for several reasons, but primarily because her best friend’s little brother is alive and well due to the great care he received at Riley. Kolton was a patient there for months and he is now a healthy little boy who plays basketball and Fortnite with her own little brother, also named Colton. Allie, Whiteland High School 2020 Graduate, Executive Committee Jacket
caregivers & healthcare corner Canning at the Whiteland Parade – Collecting for Riley Children’s Hospital
By Lisa M. Monge MSN, RN 2018–2019 total amount fundraised announced at the marathon
38 Special Needs Living • May 2021
A common misconception about Jagathon is that it’s only a dancing marathon, but that’s just a small part. Jagathon fundraises and hosts events throughout the school year, concluding with the dance marathon, which is fifteen hours of fun! Allie shared some exciting moments that happen during Kolton M. (left) and Colton Watson (right) on the ball field the marathon, which encourages the involvement of “Riley Kids”--former Riley Hospital patients. The hosts and children learn a morale dance, listen to guest speakers, watch the children sing and dance, play games, and enjoy food! The only rule to the party is NO SITTING! In honor of the children at Riley that cannot stand, the hosts and attendees must stand for the entire event.
