Every year, Indiana University Dance Marathon, or IUDM, holds a concert event to remember the legacies of two of the organization’s most important figures: Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse.

Born in Kokomo, Indiana, Ryan Wayne White was only thirteen years old when he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984. He was infected with HIV after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion to treat his hemophilia. Due to the stigma and lack of understanding that surrounded the illness, White’s diagnosis caused him to be barred from school. Though it was confirmed by medical professionals that he posed no risk to other children, angry parents rallied against his attendance.

Though White was not homosexual, his case coincided with discrimination, homophobia and fear regarding the illness’s association with the gay community. Though doctors estimated that he would live for only six more months after his initial diagnosis, White went on to live for five more years, passing away in 1990. For those five years, he fought for his right to attend school. The discrimination and harassment that he was subject to as he fought led to the formation of the The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act.

Ryan White’s story was the major reason for IUDM’s founding in 1991. Since then, the organization has raised over $56 million for Riley Hospital for Children.

Ashley Louise Crouse was a member of the IU Dance Marathon Executive Council who passed away in a car crash in 2005. She is credited with the organization more than doubling in size as well as in participation and in funds raised within only 3 years after her passing. 

Crouse was born June 21, 1983 in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time of her passing, she was a junior at Indiana University. Before she served as vice president of the Indiana University Dance Marathon, she attended Carmel High School, from which she graduated in 2002. Crouse had a passion for making a change, having also served as both student body and in student government during her high school career.

Crouse is remembered fondly among IUDM’s members, so fondly in fact that her initials, ‘ALC’, are placed on every last IUDM item. In addition, in 2019, the ALC Legacy Endowment was created with the purpose of raising money to help with the costs of running the organization. Ashley Crouse’s brother, Casey Crouse, also an IUDM alumni, works alongside the organization to ensure that her legacy is carried on for years to come. 

IUDM will continue to hold the Ryan and Ashley Week Concerts annually in the hopes that they will help to preserve their legacies for many years to come. To get connected with IUDM or to donate, visit their website at iudm.org.