Hello and welcome to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon!
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. For those that are unfamiliar, the University of Iowa Dance Marathon is the largest student-led philanthropy and student organization on campus at the University of Iowa. We provide financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients 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.
UI Dance Marathon has a tradition of excellence. We have had record-breaking years and have raised over $34 million for the kiddos and families battling cancer to date. We are one of the founding five Dance Marathon programs and the 4th largest Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon across the nation. Over the past 28 years, UI Dance Marathon has pledged $5 million to name the 11th floor of the Stead Family Children's Hospital the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer Center. We have also pledged $2 million to establish the UI Dance Marathon Chair in Pediatric Oncology in Clinical and Translational Research and fund the UI Dance Marathon Child Life Fellowship position every year. The reason we are able to do what we do every year is thanks to the dancers, student leaders, sponsors, partners, and supporters.
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 an opportunity to hear from our families about their journey and stories. In our 28th year alone, we were able to raise over $1.36 million despite making last minute changes to go completely virtual for our Big Event.
As we enter our 29th year, UI Dance Marathon is committed to doing more. This year, our goal is to ignite the light, passion, and drive individuals have so we can continue our tradition of excellence. Along with our current efforts, we will advocate for all our kiddos and educate our community on the harsh realities that come with a cancer diagnosis and their stories and journey through survivorship. 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 don't hesitate to reach out to me at dm-executive@uiowa.edu.
Creative Tomorrow By Dancing Today,
Raginya Handoo (she/her), Dance Marathon 29 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.