Over 350 colleges and high schools nationwide have joined the movement to be For The Kids. Dance Marathon is a year long movement among college and high school students across the country to raise money for their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. At the big event that is hosted across the country, students stand from 12-40 hours for an AMAZING cause. So here are seven reasons why YOU should become apart of the movement that is Dance Marathon

1. 100% of the money raised goes to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

Most non profits usually take a percentage and it does not go towards the cause. Not this program ALL of the proceeds donated go straight to your local Children's Miracle Network Hospital to help patients and their families.

2. It's ALL FOR THE KIDS

I know it sounds very painful to STAND for 26.2 hours but it's not bad at all, especially compared to what the kids at the hospital have to go through. I promise it WILL be the best 26.2 hours of your life. Just remember throughout Dance Marathon that you are doing it For The Kids so they can have better and healthier lives.

3. The Theme Hours WILL MOTIVATE YOU EVEN MORE TO KEEP GOING

If you are still thinking that you can't do it, the theme hours WILL help. I don't know there is just something about changing into new clothes that make you feel wide awake and ready to conquer the world. My favorite theme hour had to be the Disney Theme Hour from singing Mulan to High School Musical you are sure to have a great time.

4. MIRACLE FAMILY STORIES

This is absolutely my favorite part of Dance Marathon. Every hour on the hour after the Morale Dance a Miracle family comes up on the stage to share their story and tell how grateful they are for what we do. This part is a bit tear jerking but you are reminded every hour within the 26.2 of how great a cause Dance Marathon is and how you are truly making a difference.

5. MORALE DANCE WILL BECOME YOUR LIFE

At the start of Dance Marathon you learn a 10 minute long dance that ultimately becomes your life, while at Dance Marathon and even after you leave. The Morale Dance is done every hour on the hour and it is made to be very energetic to let you have fun, keep you awake, and excited while at Dance Marathon. It really works at keeping your spirits up, just when you think you can't keep going. When you feel like falling asleep, it's Morale Dance Time. Trust me even after Dance Marathon you will hear certain songs from the Morale Dance and it will instantly bring you back to the greatest time of your life.

6. YOU WILL LEAVE WITH LIFE LONG BEST FRIENDS

I walked into Dance Marathon fairly alone. Yes, I was registered with a team but I didn't know anyone on the team that well. I only knew of their names when we arrived but when we left I feel like I gained a group of new friends. Spending 26.2 hours with someone for a great cause makes you very close. I came into Dance Marathon with no friends but I left with people I would consider best friends.

7. POWER HOUR IS YOUR HOUR.

This is probably the best hour of Dance Marathon. A rave with neon glow sticks, awesome music, and great people. This is the last hour of Dance Marathon when the total amount of money raised for the year is revealed. A great time to let loose and celebrate what you and your teammates have accomplished this year FOR THE KIDS.

I am not gonna lie this past year was my first Dance Marathon and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was afraid and didn't believe that I could possibly stand for 26.2 hours, but I did. I made it through and after I was proud that I did it for a great cause. (I even cried because that was a long time of not being able to sit.) In 2016, LSU's Dance Marathon raised a total of 265,839.69 for the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge. I am so proud to have contributed to this total and I loved every minute of Dance Marathon. I highly recommend that you join your schools Dance Marathon and if your school doesn't have one look into establishing a Dance Marathon at your school. It's for a great cause and you will NOT regret it!

#FOREVERFTK