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A group of first and second-year students in the School of Medicine held a live 24-hour online community-building and fundraising event from May 1 to May 2, raising more than $15,000 for UMass Memorial Medical Center’s operations at the DCU field hospital in Worcester. The field hospital is one of the many pop-up facilities in the state housing and treating COVID-19 patients.

“We were thinking of ways to combat ongoing physical isolation, but at the same time keep us socially connected,” said Hans Erickson, second-year SOM student. “While doing this, we wanted to show appreciation for those on the frontlines, especially our UMass Medical School volunteer students and faculty.”

Working with the UMass Memorial Office of Philanthropy and the UMass Medical School’s Office of Student Affairs, the students conceived of the “Zoomathon,” a marathon-style campaign. The money raised will go toward purchasing PPE and essential supplies for the field hospital.

Hour to hour, the event was packed. A full day of activities, including guided meditations, workouts, a fashion show, bedtime stories and even a DJ session with Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine.

“Flotte’s appearance was when we saw the most donations come through,” said second-year SOM student Kian Samadian. “In just 30-minutes, we raised $1,753, and he matched $1,000 of that.”

In between activities were Zoom updates from the DCU field hospital. John Broach, MD, MPH, assistant professor of emergency medicine and director of the Division of Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, is serving as the medical director. Dr. Broach took viewers on a live behind-the-scenes walkthrough.

“We wanted to provide tangible updates on research, to keep everyone informed,” said second-year SOM student James Joseph. “In a time like this, it’s important to educate people on why we’re even having this fundraiser.”

The student organizers say during the entire 24-hours, the number of participants did not drop below 30, whether it was noon or 3 a.m.

“The most people we had in the call at one time was 211,” said Erickson.

In the closing hours of Zoomathon, Chancellor Michael F. Collins and his wife Maryellen announced a $10,000 donation toward student relief.

“The relief fund is fundamental at a time like this, where so many students are struggling and dealing with change,” said Erickson. “We were amazed to hear the Chancellor pledge funds to help those in dire need.”

“Overall, the money we raised in the Zoomathon is a testament to how amazing our community is,” Samadian said. “It is incredibly touching to see how many people were willing to log on, share a smile and help support the people helping us.”