UGA Miracle’s 26th Annual Dance Marathon

Dance Marathon is UGA Miracle’s capstone event at the end of February, where participants and Miracle families come together for performances, dancing, and activities as they complete their last big fundraising push for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The event took place virtually from February 20th at 12:00 PM through February 21st at 2:12 PM. It was a fun-filled 26.2 hours, where they championed the miracle families and students. From color group wars and fundraising to family stories, live music, and so much more, it was an incredible event.

Sunday morning of the event, the organization unveiled their grand total for the year of $1,427,286.91. If these students were taught anything this year it was that these kids and their hospital cannot wait. The first $1 million of their total will go to the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, and the money raised beyond that will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

This year, UGA Miracle was able to offer lots of fun and engaging programming for all of their participants to partake in for the 26.2 hour marathon. From Zoom family stories to living room dance parties to minute-to-win it games, these students closed out an incredible year together.

Christina Lawler, the UGA Miracle Graduate Advisor said, “I am so proud of my students! Their hard work this year is reflected in the success of DM and every other fundraising push day held throughout the year. Each and every participant made this event as special in its hybrid format. This year has been far from typical, but they have truly persevered. From members at the committee, leadership, exec and council level, each student embodied their running theme of “champion today.” They are the true champions. I am already looking forward to next year’s DM!”

The Executive Director, Allison Doherty described the event saying, “It is incredibly bittersweet knowing that this was my last Dance Marathon as a student. UGA Miracle has given me everything from leadership growth and development to providing me with friendships that will last a lifetime. Even when faced with constant adversity in such an unpredictable year, this team did not only rise to the challenge, but did so with the utmost joy and positive attitude. I couldn’t be more proud and humbled to lead this incredible group of people and witness the miracles that they bring. I will forever be indebted to UGA Miracle and this team for giving me one of the best years of my life. FTK always!”

It truly has been a remarkable year for this student organization. With every challenge thrown at these students, they came together and united behind their cause – the kids.

Thank you UGA Miracle for an incredible year and an incredible Dance Marathon 2021! FTK!