What started off as a small organization in honor of an Indiana University student who passed away from HIV/AIDs slowly grew to span the United States.

Dance Marathon began in 1991 in memory of Ryan White. Today, there are more than 400 programs across the country.

According to the Iowa State Dance Marathon website, “Dance Marathon is neither dance nor marathon; it is a celebration of life.”

For the past 22 years, Iowa State Dance Marathon has gathered together to raise money for children with illnesses that threaten their well-being.

The 15-hour long Dance Marathon is a way to celebrate another year of successfully raising money to help Iowan families.

All the money that is raised through the dance marathon helps support things like: patient support — also known as “comfort kits” — Infant CPR training kits, diversion tools, video laryngoscope for PICU as well as improved recreational therapy.

But it’s also more than just a simple Dance Marathon — it symbolizes something. That something is the support dancers show for families who spend many long hours in hospital waiting rooms. It’s all for a good cause. A day filled of joy for families who wondered how they’d be able to make it through the hardships.

Not only do you get to dance your heart out for 15 continuous hours, but participators also get to spend time with the kids they helped support and play fun, inclusive games. And what better way to spend your time?

Last year, the Iowa State Dance Marathon gathered a little more than 330,000 dollars in donations. The highest sum of donations Iowa State Dance Marathon has been able to gather was $444,253.18, in the year of 2015.

This year, we should strive to surpass that. All you have to do is raise 250 dollars toward the cause and you’re invited to be part of the Iowa State Dance Marathon. As a whole organization, Miracle Network Dance Marathon raised more than $26 million last year.

Iowa State Dance Marathon offers multiple ways to raise money in their fundraising toolbox tab. There are many different ways to help the cause. Simple things like a baking sale, pop can drive, collecting change in a jar and much more.

The Dance Marathon will take place from 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. Don’t miss out on this year’s opportunity to be a part of something wonderful and life changing.