The Indiana University Dance Marathon team raised over $3 million dollars for the kids at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Donations are accepted and can be made here. IUDM is the second largest-student run philanthropy in the world and is made up of over four thousand students. The organization raises money year-round and has raised over $50 million since the organization’s origin in 1991 while spreading awareness of the miraculous work that takes place for the over 300,000 kids a year at Riley. The fundraising action primarily takes place over the course of 36 hours at the sponsored dance marathon event that recently took place over Halloween weekend this year at the Tennis Center. For many students, the organization is a way to be involved in a community on campus and be a part of something bigger than themselves. For sophomore Jess Cooper, it’s giving back to the community that saved her life.
The Road to $50 million is reached at the 2022 Dance Marathon.
Jess was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at fifteen years old and went from being just another Carmel High School kid to suddenly undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The doctors and nurses worked to save her life, and now, she’s returning the favor. Jess contributes the hospital’s award-winning success to the dedicated, caring staff and culture within the hospital, not the hospital itself. She says her motivation for giving back is her friends, the young kids that are still at the hospital. She recognizes that because she is older, she has the ability to use her voice as a platform to advocate for the young kids that are still undergoing various treatments at the hospital. Jess joined her high school’s Dance Marathon team and has carried her passion into to college as well. From the first time she shared her story and discovered her impact, Jess decided to dedicate her life and studies to social work and giving back to others.
Jess is a member of the Hospital Relations committee under IUDM. The HR team is the messenger for communication between the hospital and Dance Marathon. They connect with families, staff, and doctors to put on various events and volunteer opportunities. Senior Alexandra Brown, Director of Hospital Relations, is Jess’s advisor. Her motivation for serving the organization also hits close to home. Alex is proud of her team for raising the $3 million and believes that the care people have will allow that number to continue growing. All of the money goes directly to the hospital and is put towards research and clinical care support.
The impact is felt at the hospital, but the work starts on the ground here at campus.
