Every year, the University of Iowa puts together a Dance Marathon in order to raise money for pediatric cancer patients and their families at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The event includes a lot of dancing, as the name suggests, but also other activities such as speeches given by different families and the opportunity for dancers to meet young children battling cancer. The event is loved by students and faculty alike. Former PV student, Claire Feeney, said, “Dance marathon has changed my perspective on life and made me grateful for all that I have.”
The 24-hour event, referred to as the Big Event, is the most well-known portion of the dance marathon, but the students involved with this organization spent hours preparing and fundraising before the day arrived. It is required students raise a minimum of $500 in order to participate in the Big Event, but many students go above and beyond the requirement.
There are many opportunities for students to take on a bigger role helping this event to run smoothly. Students can fill out applications to take part in the Executive Council. There is an Executive Director position as well as different Cabinet Director positions, such as family relations. Students can also be morale captains and morale captain assistants. These students field questions and concerns from their group of dancers and help to boost the spirit of dancers on the night of the Big Event.
Feeney described the Big Event and said, “Although my feet hurt, and I could barely stay awake, my pain was incomparable to that of the kiddos with cancer.” Children and their families share their stories all night and students are able to hear about the pain and triumphs these young fighters have experienced. Students say hearing these stories give their donations and hours of dancing more meaning because they can meet some of the children who will benefit from their funds.
Pleasant Valley also has a dance marathon of their own, while the name is under works this year, the event is still set to occur on April 1, 2017 at Pleasant Valley High School. The event is put together by members of the National Honors Society which is headed by teacher, Sara Russell. Russell said this year’s marathon will include, “A dodgeball tournament, badminton, games, food, and dancing.” PV’s dance marathon gathers donations to donate to the Vera French Foundation.
The Vera French Foundation was created in 1985 and works to raise awareness for mental illness and the challenges they come with. All of the money raised by students at the dance marathon goes towards the different services the foundation provides. The Vera French Foundation gives children school-based therapy, housing for those who can’t afford it and provides clients with emergency funds among other programs.
Students don’t need to be involved with the National Honors Society in order to participate in the event and fundraising. Also, many colleges around the country have dance marathons that give funds to various deserving foundations. Feeney said, “I encourage any incoming students to join dance marathon if they are looking to make a difference in someone’s life.”
