NU Dancers Brave Storms to Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer

Annual Dance Marathon overcomes weather challenges to support Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:10pm

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Despite facing dangerous weather conditions including high winds, heavy rain, and lightning, hundreds of Northwestern University students persevered through the 52nd annual Dance Marathon fundraiser, which raised over $218,000 for the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund and the Evanston Community Foundation.

Why it matters

The Dance Marathon is a longstanding tradition at Northwestern that brings the community together to support pediatric cancer patients and their families. After seeing a decline in donations in recent years, this year's event marked a positive turnaround, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of the student organizers and participants.

The details

The 15-hour Dance Marathon was forced to move inside the Norris Center due to the severe weather shortly after starting at 9 p.m. on Friday. However, the students persisted, dancing through the night before returning to the outdoor tent around 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Despite the challenges, the event was able to raise $218,774.79, surpassing the previous year's total by about $27,000.

  • The 52nd annual Dance Marathon began at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The event was forced to move indoors due to dangerous lightning shortly after the start.
  • The dancers returned to the outdoor tent around 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Dance Marathon concluded at noon on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Sam Tateosian

One of the NUDM student executive directors.

Caroline Killilea

A junior at Medill and the NUDM spokesperson.

Kate Litman, Anita Liberty, Maddy Peterson

First-year students who participated in the Dance Marathon.

Michelle Hanfling

Representative from the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund.

Alicia Vega

Representative from the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund.

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What they’re saying

“There were times when we may have wanted to give up, but the annoyances NUDM faced were just a 'miniscule percentage of what pediatric cancer patients have to deal with'.”

— Sam Tateosian, NUDM student executive director

“We worked extra hard, and focused on alumni to contribute to the event, along with urging student marathon dancers to put together their own donation pages on social media.”

— Caroline Killilea, NUDM spokesperson

“I took part for all 15 hours, 'for such a good cause'.”

— Kate Litman, First-year student

“It means everything to know that students pitch in their time and money to help cancer patients and their families.”

— Michelle Hanfling, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund

“The money raised goes for scholarships, 'Bear Hugs' (activities and experiences for a child fighting cancer), and financial assistance for the families.”

— Alicia Vega, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund

What’s next

The organizers of the Dance Marathon will continue to build momentum and engagement for next year's event, aiming to surpass this year's fundraising total and provide even more support for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

The takeaway

The resilience and dedication of the Northwestern University community was on full display as students overcame severe weather challenges to raise critical funds for the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fund. This annual tradition demonstrates the power of collective action to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer.