The University of Northern Iowa Dance Marathon is an organization that raises funds for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network. The organization aims to provide emotional and financial support to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses by raising funds for Children's Miracle Network hospitals and holding events that raise student and community awareness. This money is then put towards things like research, education, equipment and improving children's departments so that children and families can feel a little more comfortable during their stay in hospital. The big event took place on March 1, 2014, but the organization completes events throughout the year to raise as much money as possible for Miracle Network kids, such as a 5K color run on campus, trick-or-treating for kids who can't and selling grilled cheese at midnight during homecoming festivities. Although there are many small events throughout the year, the main focus is on the "Big Event". It's a 12-hour dance marathon where dancers who have spent the year raising money for the cause dance their hearts out, meet children who are part of the Children's Miracle network and their families, and have the opportunity to continue to donate (whether through signing up to donate bone marrow or getting a haircut for Locks of Love). During this grand celebration, attendees are not permitted to sit/lay or consume caffeine. This is to try to replicate a bit of how children feel every day, having to undergo treatments and long hospital stays while still trying to keep their spirits up. Over the course of the 12 hours, families are invited to go on stage and talk about their experience with Universi...... middle of paper ......the marathon, forming a sense of unity and bonding in addition to love for the same cause. It is important that any athlete or coach working with a team knows how to work as one unit to achieve a common goal, rather than trying to carry all the weight alone. Raising over $176,000 for the 2014 UNI Dance Marathon would have been impossible for just one person! I am very honored to have been a part of this organization for the 2013-2014 school year and plan to participate next year as well. By the end of the event I always feel so inspired and ready to make even more of a difference in the lives of others, whether through volunteering, my future profession, or other organizations at the University of Northern Iowa. I learned so much from the Miracle Kiddos and their families and I plan to take those life lessons with me as I pursue a career in exercise science and health.