"It sounded like fun, and there was going to be a lot of dancing… a lot more dancing, and the best part about it is the food," said Nick Bassett, a patient at University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Because of a spinal tumor and severe scioliosis, Nick has been wheel-chair bound. Earlier this year, surgeons at University of Iowa Children's Hospital removed the tumor from Nick’s spine. Orthopaedic specialists then utilized an old-fashioned technique, using a body cast to straighten Nick’s spine.

"We had to resort to an old-fashioned technique, which is the use of casting; getting manual correction of his curvature as best as possible by putting him in a cast," says Stuart Weinstein, M.D., UI Health Care orthopaedic surgeon.

Nick and his family look forward to a full recovery. Their story is an inspiration to hundreds of Iowa State students who raise money year-round for University of Iowa Children's Hospital – and kids like Nick.

"I have met some great people, people I’ll never forget, people I still get e-mails from, Dance Marathon kids that I get e-mails from them, checking in on them and asking how Nick’s doing, how the family’s doing. It’s just really awesome," says Ann Bassett, Nick’s mom.

Iowa State Dance Marathon is growing, too. More than 400 dancers raised $125,000 at last year’s event. They hope to continue that support this year, so more kids like Nick can enjoy happier, healthier lives.

Iowa State University Dance Marathon provides financial support for patients and families at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. For more information, or to donate, visit www.isudm.com.

For more information:

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Children's Hospital of Iowa

Children’s Miracle Network

ISU Dance Marathon