Despite being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 13, Maddy Justice always had a positive outlook on life. One could often hear her say “Keep on Shining.” She would also think and write about the concept of time before she was even diagnosed with cancer.

IU sophomore Alexandra Jones was Maddy’s best friend since birth. They did everything together; from baking to dancing, they were always doing something fun.

A few years before her diagnosis, Maddy suggested that they make a bucket list of 101 things to do together. Anything from making their own web show to traveling to Paris together could be found on the list.

They continued to complete the list even when Maddy was undergoing treatment at Riley Hospital for Children and St. Jude’s. The night before Maddy passed, Alexandra made her a special promise.

“She had asked me to read through the list again and so I read all 101 things to her and I told her that I would finish the list for her.”

Maddy lost her battle to cancer in 2013 but Alexandra makes sure to keep her memory still alive with the bucket list.

“Some of my friends know about the list and they ask if they can complete the items with me, so I’ve had people who want to help me finish the list which is really nice.”

Recently, Alexandra has checked one of the items off of their list; “make and name our own sandwich.”

Indianapolis restaurant, Fire by the Monon, recently added the “Keep on Shining Burger” to their menu. Fire by the Monon donated a portion of the burger sales to Riley Hospital for Children throughout September, which is childhood cancer awareness month.

There are students all over campus with stories like Maddy. DJ Glander, a fifth-year senior, was a Riley Kid. He suffered from a stroke in utero, leaving his right arm and leg underdeveloped.

However, he doesn’t allow his disability to get in the way of his everyday life, instead he uses it as a way to spread awareness for Riley Hospital for Children.

“I want to give back to the hospital that legitimately saved my life and while doing that I want to make an impact on those around me, say hey, I am a result of what Riley has done for so many other kids.”

Indiana University Dance Marathon or IUDM which is held each November is a large reason why Glander chose to attend IU. Students fundraise all year long and come together for one weekend to dance “For the Kids” for a total of 36 hours.

“IUDM has just been my, my hallelujah, I think I finally found my hallelujah.”