Four years ago, four determined students wanted to join the battle against cancer and created a community service club as a grassroots movement to beat the disease. Today the club has about forty active members, including a full executive board, and is known as Happy Feet. UD English Teacher Danielle Marcantuono-Polstra, the sponsor of Happy Feet, said of the origin of the club’s name that the club was, in a sense, “walking towards a cure.” Through walkathons to raise funds and awareness, the members of Happy Feet bond together in pursuit of a cure for cancer. As Marcantuono said, “Cancer is a common thread among all communities.” This disease unfortunately touches many lives, and Happy Feet is dedicated to helping efforts to end cancer’s widespread damage.

One of the major events that Happy Feet participates in is Relay for Life, an overnight event that takes place in spring. Participants have the opportunity to form teams and compete to raise the most money in a bake sale. At the end of Relay for Life, the money raised before the event as well as the money raised by the various teams’ bake sales is donated to the American Cancer Society. During the event, luminaries are lit to represent  participants’ loved ones who either lost the battle with cancer or are battling the disease at the time. After these are lit, participants complete an overnight walk to unite and spread the message of hope.

Happy Feet also hosts Concert for a Cure. This variety show was a hit last year among the student population. At the event, students sing, dance and show off many different talents in front of their peers. During the concert, a bake sale raises money for efforts to cure cancer. This year there will be two  Concerts for a Cure in the spring and fall. Although Happy Feet sponsors a variety of activities, they are all tailored to helping the same cause. Marcantuono said, “It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you contribute. Every step counts.”

Happy Feet is truly unique from other clubs on campus for several reasons. Marcantuono said that Happy Feet is “dedicated to helping others and bringing awareness to charitable causes.” Thus, this club embodies Berkeley’s motto, as its members already make a positive impact in our community by aiding efforts to cure diseases and helping to make the world a better place. Furthermore, the club is entirely student-run. The members of Happy Feet meet each week to plan sales and fundraisers, and in turn, raise awareness for causes “near and dear to their heart.” Although Happy Feet has primarily focused on cures for cancer in the past four years, its members are now hoping to widen the club’s scope to include efforts to cure other life-threatening diseases. The club’s passion, powered by these remarkable students, continues to grow and strengthens Happy Feet’s presence throughout the Berkeley community.