This week marks the start of spring dancer registration for Dance Marathon at The University of Florida.
The 2013 Dance Marathon will be April 13 and 14. At the annual event, about 800 students will stay awake and on their feet for 26.2 hours, said Nicole Martinez, the event's public relations overall chair.
Dance Marathon's goal is to raise awareness and support for local children who are part of Gainesville's Children's Miracle Network, Martinez said. The children are receiving treatment at Shands Hospital for Children at UF.
"We have almost 50 miracle children, very close to 50 miracle children, that have decided to share their stories with us and really show us why we do what we do, and they are also appreciative of everything we do," said Martinez.
Registration runs Jan. 21 to Feb. 4 and is $35. You do not have to be part of an organization to register for the dance marathon and donations are welcomed.
Kim Ortiz contributed reporting.