Dance Marathon is the culmination of a year’s work by the students who planned and organized the event, all while gaining critical leadership and teamwork skills, and nonprofit business experience along the way.
Our History
Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon was created in 1991 by students at Indiana University to raise money in memory of Ryan White, a fellow student who fought the stigma of HIV/AIDS during the early years of the disease. The money they raised was given to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and in the 25 years since the first Dance Marathon, college students across the U.S. and Canada have raised $135 million, with 100% of the money going to help kids who are critically ill or injured.
Mission
Our mission is to provide financial, emotional and physical support to families in need of intensive care. Through high energy, support, love and dancing, we hope to positively impact every family through Children's Network as every kid truly deserves to be a maverick.
It's for the Children
Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals have raised more than $5 billion—most of it $1 at a time—for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. CMN Hospitals offer treatment for children who are battling chronic illnesses, including cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia and traumatic injuries caused by accidents or other traumas.
Making Miracles Happen
In 2015, Omaha’s Children’s Hospital and Medical Center had:
- 8,200 admissions
- 12,400 surgery cases
- 48,300 Emergency Department & Urgent Care visits
- 94,000 Specialty Clinic patient encounters
- 450,000 patient visits