With 45 minutes left in Block 8, the Duffy family — family friends of the Stantons and members of the Danny Did Foundation — took the Dance Marathon stage to talk to the dancers.
Mary Duffy recalled her sons’ friendship with Danny.
“My sons met Danny on a baseball field, and soon after they met they were asking for playdates … boy were there a lot of playdates,” Duffy said. “Danny was a great friend. But Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy took our friend away.”
Then, Mary’s son Charlie Duffy took the microphone and shared an inspirational poem with the dancers. The poem can be read in full below.
I know you are tired, but don’t give up. I’m Charlie Duffy, what’s up.
The Wildcats are in the house tonight. It’s us against epilepsy — let’s fight.
Helping others is your awesome tradition. This year you’re helping Danny’s mission.
In order to give those with seizures a chance, you have to get up and dance.
You have been dancing for 23 hours yo, Danny Did is here to cheer you on — let’s go.
You may feel you are starting to fizzle, but think of Danny’s energy and you’ll sizzle.
I may just be a little kid, but I know you can do this just like Danny did.
Good luck Northwestern, let’s dance!
