Dance Marathon
MHA/MPH students participating in Dance Marathon 2011 |
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon (DM) is a student organization that provides year-round support to pediatric cancer victims and their families. Each student signed up for Dance Marathon is required to raise at least $400 to attend the 24-hour Big Event that celebrate the lives of those who lost their lives to cancer, those who are currently are fighting their battle, and those who have beaten their battle against cancer. It is a culmination of hope, joy, remembrance, and celebration to all the kids who have fought and continue fight cancer every day. This year, several MHA/MPH students have formed a team and will be participating in the event on February 3 & 4.
DM's mission statement states "University of Iowa Dance Marathon creates and sustains special projects to provide emotional and financial support for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Children's Hospital." Last year, Dance Marathon raised $1,220,146.17 and has raised over $9.8 million since it's inception in 1994. Since then, there are over 500+ families who have been afflicted by pediatric cancer within Dance Marathon and this year there is a record breaking number of participants registered with over 2,500 students!
Students plan and participate in Family Events, Mini-Dance Marathons and many other events throughout the year to celebrate the lives of these families. The money that is raised goes towards free admittance to seasonal family events (Adventureland, Bloomsbury Farm, Putnam Children's Museum, and more), a $1,000 pharmacy co-pay during treatment, food vouchers and parking passes during extended hospital stays, and much more. The mission and spirit of Dance Marathon can be seen every day on the University of Iowa campus through students in their lime green shirts. For more information visit www.dancemarathon.org.
Comments
Post a Comment