Team Marshal

Dance Marathon would truly not be what it is today without Marshal Fisher and his amazing mother, Betsy Fisher. Their story is one that has unified so many to fight for the cause, and they have inspired countless people in and out of the DM at FSU community. Dance Marathon alumni carry out their legacy on Team Marshal, fighting to better children’s health and keep Marshal’s story alive. 

Marshal’s life consisted of many challenges, but so much love. Just two years after Ms. Betsy Fisher took Marshal in, Marshal was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. He fought hard and eventually made the extremely brave decision to have his right leg amputated,  allowing him to live a full and exciting life for almost a year, until it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs. After countless hours in Shands hospital, and even travels to St. Judes, Marshal made an even braver decision that he wanted to just live- live in his home, with his mother, and without the constant presence of doctors, chemo, trials, and everything in between. May of 2018, Marshal passed at home with his amazing mother by his side. His legacy lives on through all of us, but especially through his mom. Ms. Betsy Fisher has continued to tell his story so that he is able to live on through anyone that is lucky enough to hear it. 

Our Legacy Team Chair, Carly Orantes, says, “No matter what position you have, how many years you’ve been involved, everyone knows Ms. Betsy and Marshal’s story and is greatly impacted by it. When I first heard Ms. Betsy tell her story 3 years ago, I knew that I wanted to give all my time to DMFSU and specifically work with her one day. Fast forward the last two years , I was appointed the Chair of the team that oversaw our alumni program and I have had the privilege of getting to work closely with Ms. Betsy. Their story is unlike no other and they are truly the heartbeat of our organization. Marshal has left a large legacy behind within our organization and one that every single participant holds closely. Because of this we decided to make our alumni team dedicated to Marshal in honor of his great legacy. This past year we created a brand new team “Legacy” which focuses on our Alumni team. This team was made in honor of Marshal - hence the name. We are looking forward to growing our Alumni program and making it the best year yet, all for Marshal and Ms. Betsy. We are so thankful for everything they have blessed this organization with and continue to express our gratitude. We are so excited to have the opportunity to honor their story during our 30th year!”

Our Family Relations Chair, Ellie Flynn, has also expressed some beautiful words about Marshal and Ms. Betsy. “Marshal and Betsy Fisher have left a permanent impact on our organization. We are not DM at FSU without them. Marshal and Ms. Betsy remind us time and time again of why we do what we do. All of the fun of the year is done so for hope—for mothers like Ms. Betsy, and for children like Marshal. As with all of our wonderful ambassador families, Ms. Betsy is kind enough to keep coming back and sharing the most vulnerable parts of her and Marshal’s story. Theirs is a story full of love, and laughter, as well as of grief and of loss. They have taught me the power of sharing these stories whether it’s in small conversations or on stage at the main event. No one loved DM quite like Marshal and their joint faith in our cause is infectious. I believe their hope for change will fuel our organization for years to come. It hurts my heart to have never met Marshal, but Ms. Betsy carries him with her in her heart wherever she goes and to whoever she meets. I am honored that she has shared him and his love with us. HTG.” 

Julie Besnard, the Year 28 Membership Chair, has now been a part of Team Marshal for two years. She says, ​​“Being a DMFSU alum is so meaningful to watch old and new faces carry on the tradition of creating magic and spreading awareness!! It’s incredible to see the continuous growth of the organization and the impact it has on FSU’s campus and students, especially the friendships that will last forever! Whether it’s a sweet treat on Landis, a tour of Shands, or hitting the gong, my best memories from Florida State are with DMFSU, and I love being able to watch those memories be created for others ❤️ Team Marshal forever!”