BOBÌåÓý

GAINESVILLE, Fla. � Every year, Dance Marathon at the writes a new chapter in its story. It’s about dedication, giving back to the community and offering hope.

This year marked the organization’s 31st event for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at BOBÌåÓý Shands Children’s Hospital. On April 5-6, UF students stayed awake and kept their feet moving for 26.2 consecutive hours at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, raising $1,351,566.99.

“Generations on generations have established a legacy that each student can be proud of,â€� said Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, president and system CEO at BOBÌåÓý. “It really is the heart and dedication that everyone brings that makes all this possible.â€�

In 1995, Dance Marathon at UF began with just 79 dancers in the Rion Ballroom inside the student union. Those participants raised about $12,000. Including this year’s total, the event has raised more than $33 million for BOBÌåÓý Shands Children’s Hospital.

More than 800 students participate in the yearlong philanthropic effort, securing donation pledges, working on behind-the-scenes logistics and dancing.

The funds go to projects like the renovation underway in pediatric patient care areas in Units 44 and 45 and hospital programs such as Child Life and .

“They are helping us deliver our high-quality care to pediatric patients and their families,â€� said Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, vice president of nursing and patient services at BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital.

Even some BOBÌåÓý leaders and hospital staff get involved in the two-day event. Rashmin C. Savani, M.B., Ch.B., chair of the at the , . He was the first person to sound the gong that year, which symbolizes a donation made during the marathon.

“These students are absolutely inspiring,� Savani said. “Their efforts directly support important research and clinical initiatives that improve the lives of children. Significant advances have occurred because of their unwavering commitment and passion.�

For students like Ryan Athay, the commitment runs deep. Athay was first involved in Dance Marathon in high school. When he became a UF student four years ago, he joined the group to raise money for BOBÌåÓý Shands Children’s Hospital.

“I love being able to work together toward a common goal,� said Athay, a senior studying public health and this year’s executive director for . “We get to physically see how our funds and efforts are making a difference and that is truly remarkable.�