This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the University of Iowa's Dance Marathon. For 24 hours, more than 2,000 students dance to raise funds for children with cancer. A founding member of the event Sheila Baldwin says through the years the event has not only helped children but also shaped the lives of some students who take part in staging the event.
"Whether it's becoming a nurse or a child life specialist or going into philanthropy as a professional career or in business because they have the opportunity to lead the business side of the dance marathon. The leadership development is one of the most important aspects," Baldwin says.
UI Dance Marathon takes place Friday through Saturday at the Iowa Memorial Union. Last year, the event raised $3 million dollars. The organization has also helped to fund endowments for a child life specialist and a specialized transplant doctor at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, in addition to helping provide financial and emotional support for families who have children going through cancer treatment.
During this hour of Talk of Iowa, Baldwin talks with host Charity Nebbe. Brianna Wills, who lost her son to cancer in November of 2017, Dance Marathon advisor Brock Cavett and Isabelle Webber, a student who volunteers for the organization, also join the conversation.
