Students, children and families will dance all day to benefit children struggling with serious illnesses.

The Memorial Union will hold the seventh annual Dance Marathon Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. Organizers hope this year’s 15-hour event will raise money to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network through the Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Dance Marathon raised $125,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network last year, and has a goal of $200,000 for this year.

In order to take part in the event, participants must raise a minimum of $300, up from a $180 minimum last year.

The increase has not affected participation, however, as 420 participants are expected to attend, said Sophia Magill, co-director of public relations for Dance Marathon and junior in political science.

“People think its such a great sacrifice to donate time and money, but we can’t even begin to understand the sacrifices the children have made,” Magill said.

One change this year has been the decision to focus more of the event on the families of those with children who have serious illnesses.

This year, more than 30 families from Iowa that are members of Children’s Miracle Network have been invited.

“Having the families there really helps remind us why we’re doing this,” said Molly Thrall, Dance Marathon Families co-director and senior in nutritional science.

The Bassett family from Boone will attend for the third year. Nick Bassett, 11, has a spinal cord tumor. Family members said they are counting down the days until Dance Marathon.

“It’s a big event in our house,” said Ann Bassett, Nick’s mother. “It’s such a blast and I feel like I have really made lifelong friends there.”

Because of Dance Marathon, the Bassett family has been able to participate in many events, including riding a fire truck in 2003’s Veishea parade and receiving sky box tickets to an Iowa Cubs game.

“I wish more people would have the opportunity to know how much Dance Marathon helps families and Children’s Miracle Network,” Ann said.

For the second year, festivities began with a torch run. This year, the run started Tuesday in Iowa City at the Children’s Hospital.

The torch will be used to light an angel candle that will burn all day Saturday in remembrance of children who lost their lives to terminal illnesses.

The torch is scheduled to arrive in Ames at the Iowa State Center parking lot at 5 p.m. Friday..

Participants can register at the event or sponsor a dancer at www.isudm.com.