It’s another year to remember for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon community. Dance Marathon 23 raised $2,572,130.23 to help fund pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

More than 2,600 students spent 24 hours without sleep or caffeine—or even sitting—during the Big Event held in the Iowa Memorial Union on Feb. 3–4. This year, 15 children were also honored during the annual graduation ceremony, which marks a child’s achievement of being five years cancer-free.

The funds raised will help provide financial support for more than 900 families that are a part of the University of Iowa Dance Marathon community. Throughout the past 23 years, UI Dance Marathon has raised more than $21.4 million to help families in their fight against pediatric cancer.

University of Iowa Dance Marathon is a student-run philanthropy that creates and sustains special projects to provide emotional and financial support for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The final total was helped by the Mini Dance Marathons, Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, and fundraising efforts by Dance Marathon alumni. This year alone, the Mini Dance Marathons held by local schools contributed $186,152, alumni shared more than $200,000, and the Radiothon contributed $41,436.70.