"This will be my second year with IUDM. Last year I participated as a dancer without prior understanding as to how significantly the event would impact me. As physically and emotionally trying the 36 hours were I was reminded of why I was there each time I looked into a Riley Kid's eyes or heard their heroic story. I was paired with a little girl named Molly Hess. Every time that I began to get tired or want to complain, I would look for Molly and all she had to do was smile at me, and my exhaustion was instantly dispelled. I am steadfastly compelled by the principle to live selflessly for others, especially those who live in and with more unfortunate conditions than my own. This cause stirred up a passion in my heart that I didn’t know existed before. I went into the event thinking that I was changing lives, but it was my own very life that was changed after those 36 hours.

Any and all donations are appreciated. THANK YOU! :)

On November 13, 2009 Indiana University Dance Marathon will be hosting their nineteenth annual dance marathon. IU Dance Marathon was established in 1991 by IU Alumna Jill Stewart after the loss of her friend Ryan White to the AIDS virus contracted through a blood transfusion. Every year since then, thousands of IU students participate in this event in order to raise money for the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dancers spend the 36 hour marathon dancing, eating, playing games and activities and listening to Riley patients’ heartwarming stories, all without any sleep and standing the whole time. As we say, “We dance because we can, we stand for those who can’t.” Our organization raises money through pledges from family and friends and a variety of donations through other fundraising events. Corporate sponsors cover the cost of hosting the marathon, which enables all the money raised by the participants to directly benefit the children at Riley Hospital.

Our motto, “The Chance of a Lifetime, to Give a Lifetime of Chance” completely sums up the spirit of the event. IU Dance Marathon is currently the 2nd largest student run philanthropic event in the nation and largest Children’s Miracle Network marathon to date. In its first year, IU Dance Marathon raised $11,000. Last year, a record breaking $1,376,550.23 was raised for the kids at Riley Hospital, bringing the grand total since 1991 to over $7 million."

- April Dhamalongkrot

8/15 Buffalo, NY @ Xtreme Wheels
* Pre-Show Hangout: Parking lot of Xtreme Wheels

8/16 Allston, MA @ Harpers Ferry
* Pre-Show Hangout: Artesani Park

8/18 Hartfort, CT @ Webster Underground
* Pre-Show Hangout: Rocky Ridge Park

8/19 New York, NY @ Blender Theatre
* Pre-Show Hangout: Central Park - "Imagine Circle"

8/20 Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
* Pre-Show Hangout: Love Park

8/21 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School of Rock
* Pre-Show Hangout: Colombus Park

8/22 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar Club Stage
* Pre-Show Hangout: Federal Hill Park

8/23 Pittsburgh, PA @ Diesel
* Pre-Show Hangout: Phipps Conservatory

8/24 Vienna, VA @ Jammin’ Java
* Pre-Show Hangout: Glyndon Park

8/26 Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street Grill
* Pre-Show Hangout: Richardson Park

8/27 Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
* Pre-Show Hangout: Thompson Park

8/28 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
* Pre-Show Hangout: BEACH!

8/29 West Palm Beach, FL @ Swampgrass Willy's
* Pre-Show Hangout: BEACH! (near Palm Beach Shores Resort)

8/30 Orlando, FL @ The Blackbooth
* Pre-Show Hangout: Lake Eola Park