Luther College Dance Marathon has goal of raising $70,000

Total Reveal from Luther College Dance Marathon 5, last year's event

Luther College Dance Marathon (LCDM) is a student organization on campus that strives to provide a community of emotional and financial support for the children of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. LCDM is part of a larger, national movement, Miracle Network Dance Marathon, centered around the celebration of the lives and struggles of children with serious, and terminal illnesses. Throughout the year each LCDM member gets to know an incredible child (our "miracle kids") while fundraising for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Executive director and Luther student Haley Steffen says this is their sixth year of participating. They've raised $288,164.32 so far and have a goal of $70,000 this year. "We have been given a special project from the hospital. The money will specifically fund the music therapy and child life departments at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City," said Steffen.

Decorahnews.com asked Steffen if they have noticed if the dance marathon has gained popularity from the publicity the Children's Hospital in Iowa City and the Iowa Hawkeye football games with "The Wave" has received.  "The Wave has definitely made people across the nation more familiar with what Dance Marathon is, and how becoming part of the dance marathon movement really does have profound effects. We are this generation fighting for the next!" shared Steffen.

The year in activities includes multiple fundraising opportunities, the chance to be apart of a "morale" group that is led by a student captain, and the privilege of meeting and loving these incredible children. LCDM will culminate on Saturday, April 13th with the sixth ever Dance Marathon in the Regents Center, a 12-hour event that is equal parts rave, inspirational talk, and party.

It is a tradition at these events that attendees do not sit for the entire event, as a sign of solidarity FOR THE KIDS. During the event our CMN kids and their families will present, dance, and play as we celebrate just how far they have come. The event culminates in the final hour with the "big reveal" or our fundraising total.

Community hours will be 2:00--6:00 p.m. on Saturday for anyone interested in checking out the event, where they have a goal of 400 Dancers.

To join the movement, donate or see more information about the event check out this link: https://www.luther.edu/dance-marathon/.

Luther College Dance Marathon executive members and miracle families in front of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in August 2018