Dance Marathon at the University of Florida is a yearlong philanthropic effort benefiting the patients of UF Health Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Each year, students stay awake and on their feet at our annual 26.2 hour event to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for the duration of the event. In the 29 years of Dance Marathon at UF's existence, we have raised more than $28 million , making it the most successful student-run philanthropy in the Southeastern United States. In 2022, DM at UF raised a grand total of $2,334,217.21 for UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
In 2022, UF Health Shands Children's Hosptial treated children from 65 counties in Florida, 42 other states, and 5 other countries. There were 48,994 telehealth visits, 37,789 ER visits, and 277,646 clinic visits. All of the funds raised by DM at UF go directly to purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, enhancements to make the children’s stay at the hospital more enjoyable, and funding for research grants and educational programs.
Patient care funding provides necessities such as bandages and patient gowns, as well as equipment and hospital improvements to make hospital stays more enjoyable for children and their families. Research funding helps our doctors find solutions for incurable diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer, and it allows them to develop life-saving technology and enhanced processes that improve the daily lives of pediatric patients. Education funding supports programs such as Child Life Diversion therapy and goes toward raising funds and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network.
As we head into our 29th year, Dance Marathon at UF is excited to make even more miracles!
