Teal flame logo with Text: Dance Marathon at Iowa State University

Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropic organization on Iowa State's campus and raises funds and awareness for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, supports local families impacted by childhood illness, and provides development and involvement opportunities for students at Iowa State.

Not a Dance, Not a Marathon - A Celebration of Life

Dance Marathon at Iowa State University has been helping children with life-threatening illnesses for 27 years, giving financial and emotional support to hundreds of families across Iowa and directly supporting 35+ families in our local community. All of the money raised through our event is given directly to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network.

Funding Projects

Here are just a few examples of the projects are program has supported and continues to support:

  • Patient support “comfort kits”–parking and food vouchers for family members during extended stays
  • Music therapy equipment
  • Surgery teaching model
  • Zaky positioning tool in NICU–a parental simulation tool to stimulate development in premature infants
  • Surgery center operating room
  • The hemodynamics program for the NICU
  • Wags and Waves Facility Dog Program

As a freshman, I knew that I wanted to get involved with a fun and heartwarming organization on campus. After the first kickoff meeting of the semester, I knew that Dance Marathon was exactly where I needed to be! Make an impact and join ISU DM!!

Maci Sullivan, 2025 Events Co-Director

Upcoming Events