The First Quarter Wave

It’s been all over the news. Videos have been shared countless times on Facebook, and everybody is talking about it.

The first quarter wave to the kiddos in the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital has quickly become a new football tradition for Hawkeye fans. Many Dance Marathon dancers, leadership members, families, and donors have sat in Kinnick Stadium or at home watching the game with tears in their eyes as they see an entire stadium of people turn to the kiddos and wave.

This new tradition started out as a single idea that blew up into grand proportions, which shows how fast an idea can take off. All it takes is dedication, a cause, and communication.

The first quarter wave took off because beating pediatric cancer and finding a cure for cancer are something that anybody can rally behind, and a simple wave to the kiddos during the game is an easy way to help out.

And it means even more for the kiddos and their families, too. It’s an acknowledgement–a reminder that the Iowa City community and Hawkeye fans from all around the country are on their side through thick and thin.

The wave to the kiddos in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital is a reminder of the type of community the University of Iowa has. This small action is heartwarming and kind and is a reminder that even when faced with life’s struggles, somebody is always there to do a small deed to help you out a little.