The Iowa State Dance Marathon club recently held its final miracle maker meeting before their highly anticipated Big Event! taking place this Saturday at the Memorial Union in Ames, IA. This annual event is part of a national initiative where universities across the country come together to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Sierra Steenhoek, a senior majoring in chemistry, highlighted the club’s dedication to supporting the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. She explained that the funds raised by the Dance Marathon club go towards specific projects at the hospital, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as general funds that can be used as needed by the hospital.
Throughout the year, the club organizes various events to raise money for the hospital. One such event is digs for DM, a volleyball fundraiser where participants, including both students and the general public, pay an entrance fee, with the proceeds going towards the hospital’s donor drives.
For sophomore kinesiology student Joey Rempe, his personal experience with surgeries at the hospital motivated him to join the Dance Marathon club. Becoming a morale team captain, Rempe shared his journey from a patient to a volunteer, demonstrating the impact of the club on its members.
Similarly, senior kinesiology pre-health student Olivia Mertes expressed her passion for the club, driven by her aspiration to become a doctor and her love for spending time with the families supported by the hospital. She emphasized the joy of interacting with the children and their families, underscoring the rewarding nature of being part of such a meaningful cause.
Mertes encouraged others considering joining the club, describing it as a truly fulfilling experience. Despite being involved in multiple clubs on campus, she emphasized that the Dance Marathon club holds a special place in her heart, making it her favorite among all the organizations she is a part of.
As the Big Event! approaches, the Dance Marathon club prepares to celebrate their achievements and the significant amount of money raised throughout the year. This event serves as a culmination of their hard work and dedication to supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
For more information on the Dance Marathon club and how to get involved, interested individuals can visit their website to learn more about this impactful initiative. Your support will enable the student journalists of the Iowa State Daily to continue their exceptional work, covering stories that matter to the community and showcasing the positive impact of organizations like the Dance Marathon club.
