In March 2023, Oliver was diagnosed with AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor), an aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer. Oliver was five years old. He passed away after a 237-day battle on October 23, 2023. During treatment, Dance Marathon paid for his medicine and meals for our family. He had visitors from the University of Iowa Dance Marathon students when he was an inpatient. Dance Marathon helped provide our family with handprint and heartbeat keepsakes as well as paid the expenses for his funeral. Dance Marathon continues to honor Oliver each year at the main event in Iowa City.

Ambrose was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just three years old. After battling for 3 1/2 years, he passed away at seven. During his treatment, Dance Marathon provided crucial support by helping cover expenses such as food, parking, and hotel stays for his family. In his memory, Dance Marathon continues to honor Ambrose each year at the main event in Iowa City. 

Hudson was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in July 2021 at the age of 9. Over an 18-month period, he faced numerous challenges, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, back-to-back stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy. Throughout his battle, Dance Marathon was a tremendous support, providing us with monetary assistance, games, and fun activities. Today, Hudson is three years cancer-free, and we are proud advocates for Dance Marathon. Each year, we eagerly look forward to the BE event in Iowa City. Your support for the kids and Dance Marathon is vital! 

Hudson was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly before his second birthday. He underwent over three years of cancer treatment. Dance Marathon helped our family in several different ways. The volunteers were always finding ways to entertain the kids during long stays, bringing light on the darkest days and small moments of joy that made a big difference. Financially, they were able to help pay for very expensive but necessary medications that insurance would not cover, lifting a weekly financial burden. A fellowship position was also created thanks to DM, providing an opportunity to help shape an incredible pediatric oncologist who now practices at UISFCH. Dance Marathon continues to pour their hearts into events, giving families hope and helping with the unimaginable weight that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Dance Marathon volunteers mean the world to our family. 

Zoey was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia just a few days after her 12th Birthday. From the time she was diagnosed to her passing, it was only 6 shortweeks. During her short time in the hospital, Dance Marathon provided crucial support by helping provide care packages and gift cards for gas, food, and any other expenses. When Zoey passed, they paid for a portion of her funeral expenses and still provided gift cards to us afterwards for a few months. Dance Marathon continues to honor Zoey at the main event in Iowa City and this year at Iowa State University.

Kinley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 5 years old. Dance Marathon volunteers played games with Kinley during her hospital stays while on treatment. They would always cheer her up with an intense game of UNO. Dance Marathon also provided gift cards to local restaurants which came in handy when Kinley got tired of eating hospital food. Through Dance Marathon, we have met several families and have created lasting friendships.

In January of 2025 at 5 months old, Andersen(Andi) was diagnosed with high risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her high risk status was because her white blood cell count was extremely high, the highest the hospital has ever had, and her age. Over 11 months of frontline treatment she spent 263 days in the hospital. Many of her days spent at the hospital were made brighter by dance marathon volunteers and gift cards provided by the DM allowed us to stray from the usual hospital cafeteria dinners. She will be on treatment with monthly clinic visits and at-home chemo until June of 2027.