
Christmas Memories from our Miracle Families
Merry Christmas from everyone at UNI DM! Some of our Miracle Families wanted to share some of their favorite memories around this holiday season: Hartwig's: Samuel wants to share about how we open presents on Christmas morning.On Christmas morning after everyone is awake, we start by opening our stockings. Then, after we have breakfast, we begin opening the presents under the tree. The kids open their gifts from Santa first. Then we roll a dice to see who will open a present


"I Dance for More Christmases"
I dance for more Christmases. The Christmas season has always been my favorite time of the year. I love to have fun with friends and family, and it seems like throughout the holidays, this is just about everyone’s first priority. The end of the year is also a great time to reflect on what you are thankful for in the past year, and optimism for what is to come in the next year. In a time that should be filled with celebration and looking forward to the future, though, some fam


Something Bigger
Over 1,200 selfless college students will realize the importance of becoming a part of something bigger than themselves on March 3rd, 2018. The students at the University of Northern Iowa come together to recognize the hard work and dedication of raising money for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Just shy of two years ago is when I personally decided I was going to live every day For The Kids. I waS a freshman when I decided to sign up for my first Big

I finally understand how much being 10 years old changed my life.
I have plunged myself head first into causes like UNI Dance Marathon, because I am wholly devoted to paying it forward - to give back in hop

15 Fun Ways to Fundraise
1. Create a challenge for yourself on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat! For example, for every donation that I get that is above $10 I will post an embarrassing picture of myself on social media. Or I will do a dance dare in public or I will hug a stranger or I will sing a song or do a flash mob by myself - the possibilities are endless so get creative! 2. With the holidays coming up, you could wrap presents for people! You could do this out of the comfort of your ow

Brandon's Story
Hello Dance Marathon, our story started in March 2005 just after Brandon’s 4th birthday. They were at McDonalds and my wife noticed his eyes were not right. The white part of his eyes was yellow in color. This started our long journey of medical problems. Upon a trip to the ER, we got a call that we needed to get him to Iowa City. When we got there it wasn’t long and Brandon was admitted for Acute Liver Failure. The doctors and staff worked diligently but Brandon was failing

Malcolm's Story
Malcolm is the 4th of 7 children in the Thornock home with 2 older brothers, 1 older sister, 1 younger brother, and 2 younger sisters. He was born in Texas and has lived in Iowa for the past 6 years. In May of 2013, Malcolm was just like many 4 year-old children. He loved to play with his siblings, run around, and cuddle. However, he was sick. He had a fever and an upset stomach - par for the course of a kid in a large family. The problem was that it didn't go away. Du