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 4th largest Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon across the nation. We provide financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families on Level 11 of the 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 29 years, we have raised over $34 million to fund various projects including a $2 million allocation to establish the UIDM Pediatric Oncology Chair in Clinical and Translational Research, a yearly $55,000 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 1,200 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.

At the end of our year, we host a Big Event where individuals are encouraged to not sit, sleep, or consume caffeine for 24 hours to 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. This is a difficult task; however, we believe that a cancer diagnosis is much more difficult and this is an opportunity to do something hard in their honor as well. At our Big Event, we have the opportunity to hear from dozens of the families that we support about their journey and stories. In our 29th year alone, we were able to raise over $1.17 million all while planning and executing our first in-person Big Event in three years.

As we enter our 30th year, UI Dance Marathon is committed to doing more. In this anniversary year, we will reflect on our past successes to inspire new members to commit to this cause. 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,

Sushma Santhana (she/her), Dance Marathon 30 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 requiring 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.