Indiana University Dance Marathon is the second largest student-run philanthropy organization in the nation, supporting Riley Hospital For Children. It is a 36-hour fundraising event and marathon, during which dancers, committee members, and participants do not sit down, sleep, or take a break. Instead, they dance for the those who can't and provide support for the kids and all of their loved ones.
Last year, IUDM alone raised over 3.2 million dollars for the kids at Riley. With just around a month left until IUDM takes place, allow me to give you three reasons why you should sign up to participate in IUDM, or, if you already have, why you should get pumped up for the dance marathon!
1. IUDM is a chance to help others and give back to the community.
With Riley Hospital for Children being located in Indianapolis, you can see the positive impacts of the hospital everywhere you go. Even if you don't have a personal connection to Riley, pretty much any time you walk into a room or talk to someone new, you will stumble across someone who has been positively affected by the efforts of Riley Hospital for Children and its incredible staff.
2. You will meet some of the most inspirational people who will change your life.
Opening your heart to this organization and all of the people who are involved in it is one of the best decisions that you can make during your career at IU. At the marathon my freshman year, I was awe-struck the sheer amount of people involved in the marathon itself, and by the enthusiasm and warmth of every singe person who was participating. Not only that, but every single Riley kid, along with their families, were so excited to be at the marathon, meet all of the dancers, and share their lives and stories with us. Finally, after joining my wonderful committee, I have met some of the most selfless, driven, passionate, and caring individuals. Their zeal for life and this cause has fully opened my heart to this organization, and I can tell you that it has changed me for the better.
3. IUDM will cause you to have a greater appreciation for your life.
You will pour your heart and soul into this organization, but you will get back so much more than you ever anticipated. IUDM will open your eyes to everything that you have in your life to be grateful for. Whether it's your health, your friends, your family, or something else completely, you will fully appreciate all of the blessings that you have to be thankful for. IUDM helps you to see the bigger picture and to not dwell on the little things. The people who are involved help to keep each other grounded and from getting caught up in the minutiae of everyday life. You will be reminded constantly that you have so many reasons to be positive, and this will instill greater happiness in your life.
There are so many other incredible reasons why participating in dance marathon will help to shape you as a person and your college experience in a positive way. IUDM has changed my life for the better, and I know that everyone else involved with IUDM feels the same. Dancing for 12, 24, or 36 hours has the potential to be life changing, just by experiencing the marathon and knowing that when the total goes up, you helped to make a difference. It may not feel that way as you work to fundraise, but at the end of the day, you helped flip someone's world around completely, and let me tell you, that is the best and most rewarding feeling in the world.
