"Together We Can Re-define Miracles"

For those who don't know, the Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon is a student-run philanthropic organization that provides year-round support to pediatric patients and their families. The BIG Event is a 12-hour Dance Marathon where students assemble to celebrate the children survivors and remember the children who have passed away throughout the year. Students from Coe College, Kirkwood Community College, and Mount Mercy, plan and participate in Family Events and Mini-Dance Marathons.  There is live entertainment and a DJ to help pass the time along by local bands and speeches are given by many of the Dance Marathon families.  All the families sponsored by Dance Marathon participate in the event and many do so for the full 12 hours.
This year I got the amazing opportunity to participate in the Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon for the first time.  I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I pledged 12 hours of my time to be standing, dancing, doing zumba, and yoga for twelve hours straight.  The day started at 10 AM and didn't end until 10 PM that night.  Not only was I dancing, playing basketball, and meeting families, but I also got my face painted, ate delicious food from Panda Express and Pancheros, and met some amazing people.

Some of the Coe College girls!



The Delta's representin' at CRDM!

A spur of the moment decision of mine was also to cut and donate 8 inches of my hair on stage in front of all the dancers and families.  I had no idea I was going to do this when I arrived at the Kirkwood Recreational Center that day to participate in CRDM, but when I had the opportunity to the decision to donate my hair was easy.  I donated my hair when in my spring semester as a high school sophomore, and it's only appropriate to also do it the spring semester of my sophomore year in college.  I have developed the attitude that hair simply grows back.  I couldn't be happier with my new, short, healthy, hairdo and knowing that some kid out there who maybe doesn't have hair will get mine is the best feeling in the world.


Before donating our hair

After donating our hair!

The goal was together to raise $30,000 for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital & Children's Miracle Network. For the last two years, we have raised over $25,000 each year, and this year we actually raised $26, 064.04!  An amount every participant and family recipient can be proud of.

My final hairdo!

I can't wait to participate in this wonderful event all over again next year.

Kohawk Love,
Alexis