Dance Marathon. A movement that has surged through college campuses across the nation, inspiring students to get involved and help those in need. Dance Marathon can officially say it has the highest student involvement than any other student-run philanthropy in the country. It is a movement that cannot be stopped, and continues to rapidly grow each year. Dance marathon has raised an incredible amount of money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
This past weekend, our University alone raised $527, 810. The amazing grand total of more than half a million could not have been reached without the dedication and passion of some of our members. Various Tri Delta members selflessly dedicated a copious amount of time to reach their Dance Marathon Goal.
Our members shared their experiences being involved with Dance Marathon. Their passion and love for Dance Marathon radiates from within them. Tri Delta is so blessed to have such selfless members.
Kimmie Gower, USCDM Executive Board.
"I first joined USCDM as a sophomore on the Tri Delta team and immediately fell in love with the organization. I had such a great experience my first year, I knew I wanted to get more involved the next year. I applied to be on the Executive Board and became a part of the Community Relations committee. Since April of 2015, we have been working so hard to make this year's event and total the biggest and best yet. I started off with a personal goal this year of raising $800, never believing I could fundraise $1,000 myself. I finished up Main Event with a total of $1,668, doubling my original goal. That is what Dance Marathon is all about. It's about pushing yourself to go beyond your expectations and make miracles happen for the kids at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon has shown me that when you put hard work and passion into something, anything is possible, even the impossible. This year we raised a grand total of $527,810 which gives each of the
119 beds at the hospital $4,435!" 
Aubrey Brockmiller, USCDM Morale Team.
"I hear in college all the time that this is our time to be selfish. This is why our generation is branded with a 'you do you' mentality that is so frowned upon by our parents. I do dance marathon because I am surrounded by selfless people who work all year to raise money for the Children's Miracle network. Walking into the gym on Saturday full of heroes was the greatest feeling in the world. To see so many students give up their entire Saturday to stand on their feet for the kids that can't made my heart so incredibly happy. They give up a day of Netflix binging and a night of partying to do something that mattered. To make a difference. The event was such a success! We raised $527,810. I am so unbelievably proud of all the Tri Delt girls that were there. Never did I hear a complaint, they were always dancing and smiling. It made me so proud to call them all my sisters. I can't wait to see the team grow for next year."
Name Removed for Pi Chi, USCDM Morale Team
"I applied for Dance Marathon Morale completely on a whim. One day Kimmie Gower sent in our group message a link to apply for Morale team and I thought why not? I had always wanted to get involved but just hadn’t had the chance yet.I had no idea the impact this organization would have on me throughout the year. I’ve made a family through DM, been able to take pride in getting Tri Delta more involved, raised over $1,300 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, danced for 14 hours straight and had my heart touched by some of the strongest children there are. I truly can’t imagine my college experience without Dance Marathon moving forward, and I can’t wait to see how Tri Delta continues to get involved and how many more miracles we can make. I’m already counting down the days till next year. FTK and DLAM!"
Zoe Raine, USCDM Participant
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"These kids help me realize I can endure far more than I think. Pushing boundaries and being selfless is what drives humanity. Their determination to fight for their lives before they have even really “lived” exemplifies that strength and bravery are a part of each of us. They teach me that I don’t need to wait for adversity to see these qualities in myself, but that they have always been and it is up to me to use them to my advantage. They teach me to work for what I want and do what it takes to get there, to remember life if worth so much and to have my mind set for greatness always. Dancing for 14 hours is mentally and physically trying but it is worth every ounce knowing one more child could become what they desire to be. So why do I DM? For long, happy lives, filled with dancing, and laughter, and kids teaching other kids to be their best selves."
**Shout out to all of those involved in Dance Marathon. Taking initiative to get involved and dedicating your time to a higher cause is incredibly admirable. Ya'll are the true heroes of this campus.**
