March 8, 2011                                                                            Contact: Matt Splett
                                                                                                      Media Coordinator
                                                                                                      splettm@health.missouri.edu 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    (573) 882-5663

COLUMBIA, Mo. — More than 400 participants will dance the day away Saturday, March 12, in support of MU Children’s Hospital patients.

The fourth annual Mizzou Dance Marathon will take place from noon until midnight at the MU Student Recreation Center.

Participants will dance continuously for 12 hours without sitting or resting to raise money for Children’s Hospital patients. To entertain the dancers, local bands and DJs will perform, snacks will be provided, fitness instructors will lead group exercises, and Children’s Hospital patients and their families will explain the importance of the money raised.

“Encouragement and support is vital to the success of our young cancer patients at Children’s Hospital,” said Thomas Loew, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at MU Children’s Hospital. “To see participants and sponsors supporting these patients is inspiring and will certainly give these children the hope and determination they need to beat their illnesses. We are so grateful for all of the hard work and kindness that makes such a big difference in the lives of our patients.”

MU’s Dance Marathon team has pledged to donate $100,000 to Children’s Hospital during the next five years. In order to raise these funds, the team works year-round to obtain donations and sponsorships from local community members.

To make a donation in support of MU’s Dance Marathon team, or for more information about the event, please visit http://dancemarathon.missouri.edu.