Indiana University Dance Marathon or better known as IUDM is the third largest student-run dance marathon in the nation supporting Riley Hospital For Children. IUDM is a 36-hour fundraising event during which thousands of students choose to spend their weekend supporting the kids. These dancers, committee members and other participants choose to not sit down, sleep, or take breaks. Instead, they dance and have fun to support those who can't.

This year alone IUDM raised over 4.1 million dollars for the kids at Riley. IUDM takes place every year, so let me give you five reasons to get involved and participate in one of IU's best traditions before it's too late.

1. IUDM is a chance to give back to a community while building friendships that may last a lifetime

Riley Hospital For Children is located in Indianapolis, being so close, you get to see the positive impacts that the students at IU get to be a part of. While you may not have a personal connection to Riley, just mentioning it every time you talk to new people, you will see will stumble across someone or a family who has been positively affected by the efforts of Riley Hospital for Children. While there are over 18 different committees that help structure the event, you can participate in all types of ways.

2. You never realize the difference 5 dollars can make to a family going through a crisis

You must raise at least $500 to attend the event as a 12-hour dancer and then the more money you raise, you can become a 24- or 36-hour dancer. At first, people think raising $500 dollars is challenging but IUDM committees work hard to help set up events to help you reach your goal. There are special days such as Day of Hope or different events like IUDM Gala. You don't realize that every dollar makes a difference. Hospital bills can rack up quickly for families with a sick child. Below are just a few examples of the cost of care which gives you a better idea of where your donation is going:

1 Hospital gown…………………………. $5

1 Silicone feeding tube…………………. $15

2 Baby stethoscopes………………..…... $25

1 Day in the NICU……………………… $2,500

1 Month's supply of cancer drugs…….. $10,000

3. You will gain a better appreciation for life and meet some of the most inspirational kids

Being a part of this organization and all the people involved in it is one of the best decisions that you will make during your years at IU. Opening your heart to this organization and these people can be the most rewarding thing you get to do on this campus. You will meet some of the most selfless and passionate people who have made a common goal to make a difference in a child's life. During the marathon, you get the opportunity to meet some of the children and the families whose lives were changed because of IUDM. You get to hear their stories and see the excitement on a child's face to be a part of this event. Once you fully see the joy in a Riley's kid's eye when singing and dancing around the tennis center, I can tell you it will change you forever.

4. It is really worth all the hype, it will change your life and someone else's

You will pour your heart and soul into this organization. You will talk to everyone you know trying to raise money for these kids. You will inform them of the differences that IU makes in these children's lives. Riley Hospital has been ranked nationally in all 10 categories by U.S. News and World Report [6] and remains the only nationally ranked children's hospital in the state of Indiana. The donations help carry the hospital's mission to not turn any child away regardless of their family's financial status, treating over 150,000 patients a year. You will grow a love for this hospital and open the eyes of those who don't. You will cherish your own health, friends, family, and anything else that you are blessed with. You will appreciate the little things. IUDM helps you see the bigger picture of life and remind you to keep going when times it gets hard.

5. This is the one event a year that doesn't matter who you are on campus, everyone is friends and come together as one family to

Whether you are a freshman, on a committee, a member of Greek life, or just a college student, everyone has the same common goal. IUDM brings everyone together on campus for one weekend to change lives. You get the opportunity to meet new people, share smiles, laughs and memories with both new and old friends.

There are so many other reasons why every student at IU should participate in the dance marathon at least once. It will help shape you into a better person along with changing your college experience in an influential way. IUDM has changed my life along with many of my friends' lives. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of. Dancing for 12, 24, or 36 hours has the potential to be life changing, just by experiencing the marathon and knowing that when the total goes up, you helped to make that difference. You may get tired, and moody but everything was worth it the minute you see the numbers being held in the air.