Local students participate in UI’s Dance Marathon

Eight students from The Southeast Iowa Union’s coverage area participated in this year’s Dance Marathon at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Alecia Goff of Washington and Emily Schlabach of Kalona were a couple of the University of Iowa students from Washington County. From Henry County, Paige Stater of Mt. Pleasant, Zoe Bentler of Salem and Maisy Johnson of Winfield danced the night away to raise money for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. And from Jefferson County, Katelyn Adam of Batavia, Tate Allen of Fairfield, and Dominic Dupoux of Fairfield all played a critical role in helping to raise more than $1.45 million.

The money raised this year pushes the total amount raised by Dance Marathon to more than $35 million in its 30-year history.

Dance Marathon's "Big Event" is the celebration of UI students' year-round dedication to the children and families who have received treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Dancers and Dance Marathon leadership fundraise for 365 days to reach their individual fundraising goal.

Dance Marathon works to create special projects to provide emotional and financial support to families treated at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital with an emphasis on pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. It committed $5 million of support to the construction of the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital where the 11th floor is named the University of Iowa Pediatric Oncology Unit.

In addition, Dance Marathon pledged $2.2 million to fund a Child Life Specialist Position to ensure patients are provided the emotional support they need.

Dance Marathon is the UI's largest student organization. In addition to raising money, the event celebrates the lives of survivors and recognizes those lost.

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