For more than three decades, the University of Florida and Florida State University have made a commitment to advancing pediatric health care through Miracle Network Dance Marathon. This year, they collectively raised $2,658,830.99 for children’s health.
During its 32nd annual Main Event, held from March 28-29, Dance Marathon at UF students came together for 26.2 hours, celebrating $1,152,326.32 raised for Children’s Miracle Network at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The organization’s 2026 campaign, “#FollowThePromise,” was brought to life as participants reflected on the promises made to themselves, one another and the patients and families at the children’s hospital.
Thirteen K-12 Dance Marathon programs who partner with DM at UF throughout the year were also highlighted during the event for their efforts that contributed $228,082.13 to the total raised this year.
“This weekend was a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students and supporters who continue to show up for our Miracle Families year after year and honor the promises they made,” said Olivia Knier, finance manager for Dance Marathon at UF, in a press release.
The Stephen O’Connell Center was packed with 1,350 students and 27 Miracle Families — including the 2026 CMN Champion at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Fletcher — ready to share their stories. These profound moments showcase the impact of Dance Marathon on everyone involved and inspire participants to continue dancing until the end of the 26.2 hours.
With over $34 million raised in its 32-year history, DM at UF remains committed to bringing together the campus and community to raise funds for the children’s hospital.
Earlier in the spring semester, students at Florida State University came together to celebrate 31 years of Dance Marathon on their campus. From Feb. 27 to March 1, students come together for 30 hours during their annual Marathon Weekend, celebrating a total of $1,506,504.67 raised. The funds are shared between UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and the FSU College of Medicine’s Pediatric Outreach Program.
Fueled by their yearlong campaign, “More to Do,” more than 1,800 participants filled the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for the 10-hour Garnet shift or the 20-hour Gold shift. Established in 1995, DM at FSU is the largest student-run philanthropy on FSU’s campus and ranks among the top five Dance Marathon programs nationally.
Also highlighted throughout their event were six K‑12 Dance Marathon programs who raise funds alongside DM at FSU throughout the year, adding $316,990 to DM at FSU’s total this year. Since its founding, DM at FSU has raised more than $24.3 million for Children’s Miracle Network and the FSU COM Pediatric Outreach Program, funding essential medical care, equipment, patient support programs and groundbreaking research.
“Dance Marathon has always been at the center of my life, and I always knew how special it was,” said Riley McFadden, one of the CMN ambassadors at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
Riley was involved in Dance Marathon at Leon High School, but during her senior year of high school, she was diagnosed with Stage 2B Bulky Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer that occurs when white blood cells mutate and multiply abnormally in the lymphatic system. On April 5, 2024, she received her final chemotherapy infusion and rang the end of treatment bell.
“Because of my diagnosis, Dance Marathon took up a whole new meaning — it was personal. I became the very reason why I started participating in Dance Marathon.”
A program of CMN, Dance Marathon is a student-led, year-round philanthropic movement, dedicated to bringing people together to raise funds for children’s healthcare in local communities. Since 1991, students and campus communities have raised $400 million for local children’s hospitals through Dance Marathon. Donations to DM at UF and DM at FSU from supporters like you can help make big change for all kids by advancing patient care, research and education.