

Focusing on our Mission
Most people know we raise money for children fighting life-threatening illnesses/injuries because that is what we do as an organization. This is a very important aspect of our organization, but an even bigger role we play is providing any support (physically, mentally, emotionally) to our families while raising awareness on the battles their children are facing/have faced. I know we sometimes get lost in the numbers and with that we sometimes feel we are not doing enough beca

No Zeros November
We still have a few months before the Big Event, but that doesn’t mean kiddos in the hospital aren’t still fighting! During the month of November, UNI Dance Marathon has adopted a “No Zero November” mantra: we want all dancers to have NO zeros in their donor drive! This means everyone getting at least one donation, if you haven’t already! So, gear up some fundraising ideas and get out there! Our goal of $700,000 this year is a leap of faith in ourselves to do our very best, a


Thanksgiving Fundraising
When looking around the dinner table during this Thanksgiving holiday, really take in the atmosphere around you. The smell of food and the sounds of friendly conversation with undertones of grumbling bellies waiting to dig in, alongside the annoyance of siblings and intrusive questions by relatives. We as humans tend to be so mundane with this holiday and the repetitiveness it tends to have. But this year, really appreciate those quirky sounds of the home you are in, and the


World Prematurity Day
November 17th is World Prematurity Day, and this day is very special to us Hassenstab triplets. The three of us were born premature due to preeclampsia at 29 weeks and 1 day at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Erin weighed 2 pounds 6 ounces, Cara was a micro-preemie at 1 pound 4 ounces, and Nicole weighed 2 pounds 1 ounce. After we were born Erin and Nicole stayed in the NICU for 54 days, and Cara stayed in the NICU for 66 days and came home on Christmas Eve! Today


What is Morale?
My first year of Dance Marathon I had no idea what Morale was except that I got to pick a Morale captain. I have now arrived at my last year at UNI and am a Morale captain myself! I’d like to give a little insight about what Morale is, does, and then hopefully you will seriously consider applying to be a captain next year! Coming from a new Morale captain I would describe Morale as a team that is very passionate about being for the kids. The team does this by making others aw


Why Dance Marathon
UNI Dance Marathon is one of the largest organizations located at the University of Northern Iowa. This organization raises awareness and funds for children fighting life-threatening diseases and injuries, all the funds we raise go to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. This hospital has impacted so many people’s lives and is nationally ranked in several different specialty areas. Coming into my first year at UNI, I had never heard of UNI Dan