For 15 hours, Iowa State University students will hit the dance floor during Dance Marathon in support of the state's most critically ill children. They're not only raising money for kids and their families - they're also raising spirits.

Jim Brown knows why Dance Marathon is important. Without it, Jim says his four boys would not have the same life they live today. Each of his sons has PKU, an inherited condition where their liver is unable to break down amino acids. Jim says funding from Dance Marathon helps his sons live a more normal life.

"It's things like this - Dance Marathon - that help to save more kids' lives - it gives them a chance at life."

Each ISU dancer must raise a minimum of $300, with every dollar benefiting patients and families treated at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Last year, ISU students raised $118,000.

"A lot of families that benefit from it may never know that we were the ones who put that item there, but that doesn't matter to us. We're just happy that we're able to help these families in some way or another during their visit or stay here," says Erin Fett, ISU Dance Marathon co-director.

"When you're looking at all of these kids and everything, it's really an opportunity to take something from yourself and giving it to someone else - even if it's just your time for 15 hours of dancing," says Angela Overbeck, ISU Dance Marathon co-director.

Dancers raise money for a variety of items, including toys, games, and comfort kits, which can include meal and gas vouchers for families - just like the Browns.

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Children's Miracle Network

University of Iowa Children's Hospital