Southern Indiana Dance Marathon returns March 23

Southern Indiana Dance Marathon (SIDM) will return to the University of Southern Indiana for its 12th year on Saturday, March 23 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. Participants will be on their feet for 12 hours straight to raise money and awareness for Riley Hospital for Children. This year’s event will begin at noon Saturday, March 23 and continue until midnight Sunday, March 24.

SIDM is seeking support to meet its $50,000 fundraising goal. All funds raised benefit the Riley Children’s Foundation to support groundbreaking pediatric research, patient programs in need of additional funding, Riley Maternity and Newborn Health and family support programs, such as child life and social work.

“Southern Indiana Dance Marathon is an amazing organization that raises money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis,” says Delaney Radican ’25, education major. “Riley is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been a part of this organization for the last three years. The money that is raised at our Dance Marathon can help a child in need.”

Radican and Marcus Robinson ’25 are leading this year’s event as SIDM Co-Presidents. Robinson and his twin brother, Brady, both juniors in the USI Nursing Program, have a special reason to be involved with Riley Hospital. Born prematurely, Brady suffered a brain bleed when he was only 14 months old. “After being rushed to Riley, they soon realized that I needed to undergo brain surgery,” he says. “I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which is excess fluid on the brain that leads to swelling and increased pressure.”

Brady said the neurosurgeon placed a shunt that helps drain fluid from his brain into his stomach. “Since the initial placement, I have undergone four additional surgeries at Riley. I was also diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and I see a nephrologist at Riley to monitor my kidney functions,” he says. “Riley gives so many kids like me a second shot at life, and that is why I am a member of this year’s Southern Indiana Dance Marathon executive board.”

USI students can get involved by registering to attend the 12-hour event. Registration is $25 and includes event entry and snacks/meals for the day.

SIDM is currently seeking sponsors for custom T-shirts that participants and volunteers will wear during the Dance Marathon. This sponsorship will not go directly to Riley Hospital but will support the student organization raising funds for Riley. Businesses and individuals unable to sponsor the shirts but interested in supporting Southern Indiana Dance Marathon at any level may do so by directing their funds to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation (please make notation of SIDM).

Each year, local Riley families attend the Dance Marathon to share their Riley experience with the USI students. Contact one of the SIDM Co-Presidents at mtrobinson@eagles.usi.edu or kdradican@eagles.usi.edu if you know a Riley family who would like to be involved.