South Bay Student Helps Raise $2.8 Mill For Children's Hospital

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — James Reynolds, a student from Manhattan Beach, was one of more than 2,800 University of Iowa students who participated in the Dance Marathon that raised more than $2.8 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

A total of $2,879,755.26 was raised by Dance Marathon participants over the last year, which was announced at the student organization's annual "Big Event," the University of Iowa news release said. Thanks to this year's total, Dance Marathon has now raised more than $30 million since its first event in 1995.

Dance Marathon's "Big Event" is the celebration of UI students' year-round dedication to the children and families who have received treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, the news release said. Dancers and Dance Marathon leadership fundraise for 365 days to reach their individual fundraising goals, the University said.

UI students, Dance Marathon leadership members and volunteers remained standing from 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 to "symbolize their support for the fight against pediatric cancer," the news release said.

Dance Marathon works to provide emotional and financial support to families treated at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, with an emphasis on pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. It committed $5 million of support to the construction of the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, the news release said.

Dance Marathon also pledged $2.2 million to fund a Child Life Specialist Position to ensure patients are provided the emotional support they need.