Flashing lights, loud music, aching muscles, and sweaty fatigue.

What more could a college student ask for, especially when it's all in the name of a good cause?

Such is the case with Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Dance Marathons, student-run philanthropies held at Iowa State University, Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and The University of Iowa, site of the nation's largest Children's Miracle Network-affiliated Dance Marathon.

Each school supports different patient populations at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, located at UI Hospitals and Clinics. UI Dance Marathon proceeds benefit pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients. ISU and Augustana proceeds benefit patients with all other diagnoses.

"The UI events have raised over $2.8 million since 1994, including $607,385 in 2003. ISU dancers raised over $118,000 in fiscal year 2002-03 and, in its very first year, Augustana College posted over $11,000.

But Dance Marathons are about more than raising money, says Lisa Baum, Children's Miracle Network director.

"It introduces college students to real life through hospitalized kids," she says. "And believe me they are up for the challenge. Oftentimes they change their majors to express their care for kids and take on careers in social work, child life, non-profit work, hospital administration, and even medical school. It's pretty amazing."

Beth Foster (seated), team chair at The University of Iowa, joins Jon Hernandez and Shelly Smith, team chairs at Iowa State University, in celebrating CMN Dance Marathon 2003. Laura Ferdinand, team chair at Augustana College, was unavailable for the photograph.