Fun is not a word commonly associated with childhood cancer. Up ‘Til Dawn aims to make that possible with its upcoming annual event.

For the past several years SIU has been one of many schools to host the nationwide annual event, Up ‘Til Dawn. The upcoming event will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at exactly 11:59 p.m. and continues throughout the early morning hours, ending at 6 a.m. on Nov. 17 at the Student Recreation Center.

The event is known to raise thousands of dollars in effort to provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude’s is internationally known for being one of the biggest non-profit cancer research facilities that specializes in children.

Although the event is not until November, the board members have been preparing months in advance for this event. Last week for National Cancer Awareness week, the board promoted within the students community in preparation for Up ‘Til Dawn.

Jennifer Thomas, a senior from Taylorville studying communication disorders and sciences and Up ‘Til Dawn executive board member, said this year is going to be completely different, because each individual must raise at least $100 to be able to participate in the event.

“Hundreds of schools participated, but recently St. Jude has changed the event and now students must raise their money prior to the event instead of writing letters at the event,” said Andrew Morgan, associate dean of students and Up ‘Til Dawn’s advisor.

In addition to some of the changes made to Up ‘Til Dawn, there will be no event theme this year. Participants will still be able to partake in various activities, win prizes, receive free food and earn community service hours. These changes were made so participants could enjoy their time at the event.

During the past several years, student participants were able to attend the event after providing 20 addresses of potential donors. Some of the festivities students were able to participate in at last year’s Up ‘Til Dawn were costume photo booths, giant inflatable balls and there was also a performance by the university’s Fatal Fusion Dance team.

“We have a lot of fun things for this year, you will have to come to the event to see what they are,” Thomas said.

The executive board has high hopes for the outcome of this year’s event despite the changes. As of Sept. 30, registered teams have jointly raised $4,992 in pre-event funds, which has already been donated to St. Jude.

Last year’s event raised approximately $65,000, and SIU was ranked 4th in the nation. Board members anticipate to exceed last year’s fundraised amount and number of participants.

“One chemotherapy treatment for these kids is around $70,000,” said Steven Bridgman, a junior from Hoopeston studying art education and Up ‘Til Dawn executive board member said. “Every cent that we make is going to St. Jude. No family has to pay for anything. “

Greek life at the university has always been dedicated to the event since it was introduced to SIU in 2009. While sororities and fraternities have played a huge role in the fundraising process, the Up ‘Til Dawn executive board is making it their mission to reach out to non-Greek registered student organizations and individuals.

Bridgman said their main focus is to reach out to the new freshman class and expose them to Up ‘Til Dawn, since they have no previous knowledge of the event.

Morgan said the students on the Up ‘Til Dawn executive board have extensive knowledge of the event and the turn out should be greater than in previous years.

“Just the fact that you are helping someone and you’re being selfless is just the best feeling in the world,” Thomas said. “You’re making a difference because you are saving a child, while having fun.”