Hello and welcome to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon community!
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon is the largest student-led philanthropy and student organization on campus at the University of Iowa. We are one of the founding five Dance Marathon programs and the 3rd largest Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon across the nation. We provide financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and their families on Level 11 of the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. Our organization is a year-long commitment consisting of family events for kids to be kids, dancer events for individuals to build connections within our organization, and fundraising so we can eliminate some of the financial burdens that come with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Whether it was the bright Lime colors, passion for philanthropy and service, or a personal connection to a family that brought you to our page, we are happy to see you here!
Over the past 31 years, we have raised over $37 million to fund various projects including a $2 million allocation to establish the UIDM Pediatric Oncology Chair in Clinical and Translational Research, a yearly $60,000 pledge to fund the UI Dance Marathon Child Life Fellowship position, and over $650,000 to fund cutting edge MRI equipment to provide higher quality treatment for our kiddos. Beyond this, UIDM funds daily expenses for many families, from pharmacy and funeral expenses to hospital activities for the patients and gift cards for their family. We strive to provide support for our over 1,400 kiddos and their families every step of the way. None of this could be done without the support and dedication from our dancers, student leaders, sponsors, and generous donors.
All of the planning and fundraising done throughout the year comes to fruition in February when we host our 24-hour Big Event where we celebrate the kiddos who beat cancer, support those who are still battling, and remember those who have passed and are now dancing in our hearts. While a 24-hour event that requires a lot of standing and staying awake can seem like a difficult task, we believe that a cancer diagnosis is much more difficult and this is an opportunity to do something hard in their honor as well — making the experience that much more rewarding at the end of the 24 hours. At our Big Event, we have the opportunity to hear from dozens of the families we support as they share their journeys and stories. In our 31st year alone, we were able to raise over $1.55 million all while planning and executing our third in-person Big Event since the pandemic.
Every year I fall more in love with this organization and all it does for the families we support, and I’m always left with a desire to do more. Inspired by our dancers and leadership team this past year, who showed the most engagement we’ve seen since the pandemic, I was more motivated than ever to take on the role of Executive Director for DM32. We are in a pivotal position as an organization where we have so much momentum behind us and it’s our job to capitalize on it. It is my goal to build a strong leadership team that will enhance the participant experience like never before through restructuring meetings, hosting more engaging events, revamping participant appreciation initiatives, and cultivating an environment where every dancer who steps through the door feels seen and valued, knowing that they’re making an impact by simply being here.
As we enter our 32nd year, UI Dance Marathon is more determined than ever to elevate our impact. While grounded in our traditions, we’re committed to inspiring the next generation to help us redefine what’s possible. Our goal is to build a community where every voice is heard, every effort is valued, and every individual feels empowered to help drive our mission forward. Our families will stay at the heart of everything we do, and we will work to continuously support them while educating our community of the hardships that come with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We are committed to sharing their stories, and committed to advocating for this cause until no parent has to hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” As a benefactor, donor, partner, or member, I hope you join us in that commitment because, with your support, the miracles we can provide are countless. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at dm-executive@uiowa.edu.
Creating Tomorrow By Dancing Today,
Campbell Wood (she/her), Dance Marathon 32 Executive Director
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon welcomes and celebrates diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class/status, physical/mental health, and ability, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of any category that deprives a person of consideration as an individual and the right to be human. If you require any special accommodations in order to participate in our mission and our events, please contact dm-executive@uiowa.edu. UIDM strives to create a positive, philanthropic environment that benefits every member involved.
Mission Statement
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon creates and sustains special projects to provide emotional and financial support and services for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
