Dance Marathon Day!

Today is National Dance Marathon Day!!!

 For those of you that don't know, dance marathons around the country raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  Here in Iowa, that hospital is the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City. 

We became affiliated with Iowa State's Dance Marathon when our family friend, Emily Morgan, came over one night and asked us if we would like to be a "miracle family" and be part of dance marathon.  We said, of course!  After she left, Aaron and I looked at each other and said, "What's dance marathon?"

 Dance marathon is neither a dance nor a marathon, but a celebration of life!  It's college students who raise money and then in Iowa State's case, spend one day in January standing for the kids.  That's right, no sitting.  There is dancing, there are games, there are stories, there is fun and there are tears.  Why do the students stand?  Look at that photo below.  For so, so many reasons. 

 

I always like to say that of all the stuff we do and have done because of Blake's kidney disease, dance marathon is the best thing that we are apart of.  

 

 These college kids.  We do events with them throughout the year.  They come to our house and play with our kids.  Some of them have even baby-sat.  A whole bunch of them came over to give Aaron and I a date night right before Blake's transplant.  It's things like that that just amaze me. 

 We have had the best family contacts.  I know, I'm bias, but we have loved all of them!

Emily

Kayla

Alexandra

Nathan

 To any of you dMers reading this:  I wish I could give you all a big hug and tell you thank you.  Thank you for making a difference.  Thank you for your big hearts.  Thank you for your passion.  Thank you for being so good to our family. You think the miracle families are inspiring?  Guess what?  We're inspired by YOU!