Sparkathon

Sparkathon is UIC’s Dance Marathon, a dynamic fundraising event supporting UI Health’s Long Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer Clinic. Members pledge to dance for 8 hours as a celebration of collecting donations from sponsors. This year’s dance marathon will be held at Student Center East Rm 301, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on April 5, 2025. The event features music and performances, fostering community and solidarity. In the past three years, Sparkathon has fundraised over $33,000, and we hope to continue to contribute to this great cause!

In addition, we are an on-campus service organization, raising essential funds and awareness to improve the lives of childhood cancer survivors throughout the academic year.

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for a number of long-term health issues due to the invasiveness of treatments. Often, these patients either are not educated about or cannot access treatment for these long-term effects. Our clinic team provides individualized care to Chicagoland childhood cancer survivors across their entire lifespan, with education, preventive screening, social services, and specialty care referrals. Our goal is to raise awareness of late effects among survivors as well as medical students and resident trainees and to build on the significant accomplishments of the Children’s Oncology Group in improving long-term survival and quality of life.

At Sparkathon, our mission is to support the incredible work of UI Health’s Long Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer Clinic, and we can’t do it alone. We ask the community to join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of childhood cancer survivors. Here’s how you can help:

1. Participate in Fundraising Events: Join us at our annual dance marathon! Participating as a dancer helps raise essential funds needed for the clinic to provide comprehensive care to childhood cancer survivors.
   • Join us as a dancer!
2. Spread Awareness: Help us educate others about the long-term health issues faced by childhood cancer survivors and the critical services provided by the clinic. Don’t know what to send? Share our flyer with friends, family, and your social networks!
3. Volunteer Your Time: Join Sparkathon as a member, offering your time and skills to assist with our events and outreach effort. Every hour you contribute helps us further our cause and reach more survivors in need.
   • Join our organization by completing the member interest form!
   • We have 3 committees to pick from: Fundraising, Events, and Outreach.
     • The Fundraising Committee works on planning how to effectively gain donations for the clinic through events, matching grants, and collaborations with other organizations on campus!
     • The Events Committee plans and hosts various events to increase public awareness about the clinic and Sparkathon’s efforts while also having fun! The Events Committee is also the main committee in charge of planning the entertainment for the actual dance marathon!
     • The Outreach Committee is a key group that focuses on gaining fundraising teams by speaking with clubs and organizations across campus for recruitment!
4. Donate: Donate now to help us reach our fundraising goal!
5. Become an Advocate: Advocate for policies and initiatives that support childhood cancer survivors. Use your voice to influence positive changes in healthcare and support systems for these individuals.
6. Stay Connected: Follow Sparkathon’s campaigns and initiatives throughout the year! Your ongoing support keeps our community strong and focused on our mission.

Questions or want to sponsor our event? Email us Arya Aitipamula at aaiti2@uic.edu or Ivanshi Patel at ipate5@uic.edu.