University of Iowa Dance Marathon raises record $1.69M

Annual event surpasses previous year's total to support pediatric cancer patients

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The University of Iowa Dance Marathon, an annual event that raises funds for children fighting pediatric cancer at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, concluded on Saturday with a record-breaking total of $1,695,270 raised - surpassing the previous year's total of over $1.5 million.

Why it matters

The Dance Marathon is a longstanding tradition at the University of Iowa, having raised over $38.9 million for the children's hospital since its inception 32 years ago. The event's continued success demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families.

The details

The Dance Marathon featured visits from families of those being treated, the presentation of donation checks, and a final reveal on Saturday night. Donations are still being accepted through the event's website.

  • The Dance Marathon concluded on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Last year's event raised over $1.5 million.

The players

UI Stead Family Children's Hospital

The children's hospital that benefits from the funds raised by the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

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What’s next

Donations are still being accepted at dancemarathon.uiowa.edu.

The takeaway

The continued success of the University of Iowa Dance Marathon demonstrates the community's unwavering commitment to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families, with the event raising a record-breaking $1.69 million this year.