Indiana University Dance Marathon

“Every day I have two choices: mope around and realize how much at war my body really is, or accept the fact on what is going on and keep on shining. I like to choose the second one.”

                                                                                                                                            -Maddy Justice

My best friend, Maddy, was diagnosed at 13 years old with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML. Anyone that knew her could tell you that even though she was fighting for her life, she always lit up the room-- her smile, her laugh. It was contagious. And I think because of that, Maddy taught us more in her lifetime than anyone could have in a million years. She was brave when no one else could be. She was strong when no one else could be. She never backed down. She was a hero. She was a fighter. And that was something I loved about Maddy. Something I will never forget.

In 2013, Maddy lost her battle to Leukemia. After Maddy passed I promised to live every moment as she would. In all that I do I try and shine my light for Maddy, because I know she is watching down and doing the same for me. 

IUDM is a 36-hour dance marathon that takes place every November at Indiana University with the purpose of raising both funding and awareness for pediatric care.

Maddy received amazing treatment and compassion while at Riley, and by participating in IUDM I was able to help with ongoing treatments and research needed in order to help save these children's lives.

I am EXTREMELY passionate about Riley Hospital and I really believe in the work that the students of Indiana University have done and will continue to do for this amazing cause.

Over my 4 years of participating in Dance Marathon I was able to personally raise $10,091.00 for the kids! Although I have wrapped up my time with IUDM, my spirit for fundraising doesn't stop here. I hope to continue supporting, fighting for, and inspiring children not only with pediatric cancer but also those struggling to overcome other life threatening diseases & illnesses. 

For Maddy & For The Kids.

                                                                                                                             Keep On Shining, 

                                                                                                                                            Alexandra R. Jones