IOWA Magazine | 12-20-2023

Dance Marathon at 30: The Stories Behind Iowa's Big Event

1 minute read
Supporters, families, and student leaders reflect on how University of Iowa Dance Marathon has changed their lives.
Herky at Dance Marathon PHOTO: TIM SCHOON/UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

This February, University of Iowa Dance Marathon celebrates 30 years of fundraising to support pediatric oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant patients at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Volunteers from the UI’s largest student organization work year-round to visit patients, plan programming, and attract sponsors and dancers leading up to the Big Event. Then, on Feb. 2-3, participants dance for 24 hours to advance research and care that supports over 1,300 families.

One of the founding five Dance Marathon programs launched to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, UI Dance Marathon has raised over $34 million and inspired tens of thousands of participants since it began in Iowa in 1994. The funding has led to everything from endowed positions in child life and pediatric oncology to a $5 million lead gift for the UI Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the hospital.

As Hawkeyes prepare for their next Big Event, here are a few stories of how Dance Marathon is continuing its 30-year legacy of making a difference.

Sushma Santhana

Meet the Lead Dance Partner

Undergraduate Sushma Santhana guides 200 student leaders as the organization’s executive director.

Aidan and Maddy Cunningham

From Big Brother to the Big Event

Recent grad Aidan Cunningham’s family connection gives extra meaning to his support for UI Dance Marathon.

Physicians Alexander Bassuk and David Dickens

Dance Marathon Doctor Duo

Physicians share how the Big Event supports cancer treatment and research inside UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Alicea Ulrich

One Family’s Cancer Journey

Grateful for the help they received, the Ulriches now work to support other families facing trying times.


UI Dance Marathon, By the Numbers


1,100
 

UI Dance Marathon participants in 2023

$34M
 

raised for pediatric patients since 1994

4th
 

largest Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon

30th
 

year since its founding at Iowa

$50M+
 

raised over the past 30 years by Dance Marathons across Iowa—including 15 collegiate programs and numerous K-12 schools—to support UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital


SANTHANA PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY DANCE MARATHON
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Support UI Dance Marathon

Learn how you can get involved with Dance Marathon 30 and support pediatric cancer patients at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.


Share Your Favorite Memories

Did you take part in UI Dance Marathon? Share why the Big Event is meaningful to you as the UI celebrates Dance Marathon’s 30th year on campus this winter.

Support UI Dance Marathon

Learn how you can get involved with Dance Marathon 30 and support pediatric cancer patients at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.


Share Your Favorite Memories

Did you take part in UI Dance Marathon? Share why the Big Event is meaningful to you as the UI celebrates Dance Marathon’s 30th year on campus this winter.

Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.
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