Bluejays dance together for a cause, raising more than $100,000 for Children’s Nebraska
The Creighton community came together once again for a day filled with energy, music and purpose at this year’s Dance Marathon, raising more than $100,000 for Children’s Nebraska, part of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Held each fall, Creighton Dance Marathon is a student-led philanthropy event that supports local children and families facing pediatric illnesses. The celebration features performances, games, food, continued fundraising and, of course, dancing. The total is revealed at the end of the night, marking the culmination of months of student planning, outreach and generosity.
This year’s event reached new heights:
- Raised more than $100,000 for Children’s Nebraska
- Second program in Nebraska to surpass six figures in a single year
- Ranked 14th in the nation for most registered participants
- Nearly 30% of undergraduate students took part
But the impact of Dance Marathon goes far beyond the numbers. For the families who partner with Creighton students each year, the experience offers connection, hope and community.
Families Who Inspire the Movement
For Emma and Luke Huskey, parents of Miracle Kid Everleigh, this was their family’s first Dance Marathon.
“The Creighton Dance Marathon was so exciting for our family,” Emma said. “Our girls asked about it almost weekly since May. Going to Creighton events and meeting the students has helped my Miracle Kid and, more importantly, my oldest feel the sisterhood and love from a group who poured into them for months.”
She said the moment the total surpassed $100,000 was unforgettable. “Knowing how much energy the community put into this event and seeing that total was so special. I know the funds will support the hematology and oncology team that cares for my daughter.”
Emma shared that her three daughters, ages 9 to 1, each felt seen and loved by the students they met. “They were cared about and the girls remembered things about my kids so each time we saw each other they asked about them. Ev, my Miracle Child, said ‘days like today make me forget I’m sick.’ These students showed my kids it’s okay to advocate for your causes and have fun doing it.”
For Liz Evers, mom of Miracle Kid Lawson, the event is about awareness and belonging.
“Dance Marathon brings awareness to a community that might not otherwise meet kids like Lawson,” she said. “The girls who sponsor him have become like family. They love him and he loves them.”
Liz said the students’ dedication means the world to her family. “They care about something they really don’t have to. College is busy and they have so many other things they could be doing, it makes us feel special.”
She added that Children’s Nebraska and Dance Marathon have changed her perspective on community and hope. “We’ve spent countless nights at Children’s and just knowing we never have to worry about paying for life-saving surgery is immeasurable.”
A Tradition of Hope and Service
Now in its 11th year, Creighton Dance Marathon continues to embody the spirit of service that defines the University’s Jesuit mission. Each year, hundreds of students volunteer their time to plan events, fundraise and form relationships with Miracle Kids and their families.
As Emma put it, “Children’s and Dance Marathon have shown us that no one fights alone.”
For the Bluejay community, that’s what the event is all about — standing together, celebrating life and dancing for something bigger.
