A statement. Something stated. A way to make something known. Sounds simple, right? Now add some college students, kids, and a couple dollars into the mix. Still simple?

Dance Marathon at FSU is an organization that raises funds for Shands, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program. We are the largest-student run philanthropy on campus and the fourth largest Dance Marathon program in the Nation. Specifically, the funds we raise provide research needed to find a cure for pediatric illnesses while also providing the equipment that helps save children’s lives and so much more. Although the marathon itself is two shifts where students stand for twenty hours, we work year-round to make sure we can provide a brighter tomorrow for the children who need it most.

So how does Dance Marathon at FSU have anything to do with the word Statement? Well, let me give you a run down at what went down starting Tuesday at nine in the morning. At this hour, it was made known that DM at FSU had a goal of making a Statement. A $262,000 in 26.2 hours Statement. To me, and others, this was a WILD goal. That is a TON of money, and that is a short amount of time. But, if we weren’t going to accomplish this, who would?

Let’s just say we took over FSU’s campus. If an FSU student didn’t know what Dance Marathon was by the end of the day, they were oblivious to their surroundings. This was the goal: give every single person the opportunity to make a difference…to join an organization and a cause bigger than themselves. With so much negativity surrounding FSU, it was Up to Us to come in with nothing but positivity and radiance.

All day, students were canning, posting on Facebook, doing some of the craziest acts just for donations. The passion was there. The people were excited and not an hour went by where another miracle wasn't made.

So, 9 pm we get kicked out of the Union Ballrooms. Most people went home, maybe got some sleep, but also made sure to blow up Facebook one more time with their Donor Drive link. Let’s just say the feeling of waking up to a text from “automated@donordrive.com” is better than a “good morning” text (boys, take notes).

The next morning brought nerves. Just straight nerves, especially when the clock hit 11:12 AM. Did we do everything possible to raise $262,000 in 26.2 hours? Did I text, email, and post everything I had prepared? What if we don't make it?

26.2 hours later. $262,000? Well, yes. But add $40,000.

Dance Marathon at FSU made our Statement. $302,535.34.