11th Annual Florida Statement: More Than Medicine

Dance Marathon at Florida State University is thrilled to announce our biggest fall fundraising event of the year, Florida Statement 2025: More Than Medicine. From November 5th at 9:00 AM to November 6th at 11:12 AM, the DM at FSU community will unite for 26.2 hours of fundraising, celebration, and fun, all benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program. 

Since 2016, Florida Statement has been a staple for members of Dance Marathon at FSU, and has been one of the most impactful events in our year-long campaign. This year’s theme, More Than Medicine, emphasizes the incredible programs that go beyond UF Health Shands hospital walls. These resources include, but are not limited to Child Life Specialists, Arts in Medicine, Bereavement Programs, and so much more. The impact of these programs is just as crucial as the medical care received. These programs bring joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to children and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Child Life Specialists help our Miracle Ambassadors understand and cope with medical procedures through play and education, reducing fear and anxiety. Arts in Medicine programs allow patients to express themselves creatively, offering emotional healing and a positive outlet during treatment. Bereavement Programs provide compassionate support to families navigating loss, ensuring they never feel alone in their journey. Through these programs, we are reminded that our purpose is truly, More Than Medicine, as they embody our “why” and fuel that passion that drives our DMFSU community throughout this incredible 26.2 hour fundraising push.

This event will kick off on Wednesday, November 5th, in the Student Services Building from 9 AM to 3:30 PM with games, crafts, merchandise, and special challenges from our Miracle Ambassadors. From 2 PM to 3 PM, participants can join our Morale team for our iconic Power Hour to cheer on our live fundraising updates as we see how much of an impact we can make with fundraising during this hour. Later, this same day, from 5 PM to 6 PM, participants can participate in the heartbeat of our organization, the gong, as it will go on tour around campus, engaging with some of our external organizations. Participants will get the chance to hit the iconic DMFSU gong, for their fundraising accomplishments, ending the tour at Wescott Fountain at 5:50 PM. At 7:30 PM, in HCB, we will celebrate our Comma Club participants who have raised over $1,000! Following that, from 8 PM to 10 PM, the festivities will continue in HCB, for Statement After Dark, our nightly programming, including a silent disco and trivia. 

On Thursday, November 6th, we will begin at the Integration Statue at 8 AM, sharing one of our Miracle Ambassador’s stories, reminding our organization about our why. Afterwards, we will have our morning programming from 9 AM to 11:12 AM, leading into our grande finale. At 12 PM, gather on Landis Green for our final reveal of our total fundraising amount, celebrating the impact we have made as an organization in a mere 26.2 hours. Throughout the event, participants can also visit local partners for share-it nights, including Little Masa on November 5th from 5 PM to 9 PM, and Frother’s Daughter on November 6th, from 8 AM to 11 AM. Make sure to try Marshal’s Mocha at Frother’s Daughter! Mention DMFSU at check-out and a portion of the proceeds will go back to our beneficiaries.

This year, our fundraising goal is near and dear to our hearts, with our goal being $315,000, honoring the more than 1,500+ ceiling tiles painted by patients through the Arts in Medicine program at Shands Hospital. Each tile represents hope, creativity, and the beauty of providing care beyond just medicine. Florida Statement is more than just a fundraising push for an incredible cause, but rather, it is a movement. Together, join the DMFSU community to make a statement that will always be, More Than Medicine. 

Written By: Ashlynd Sellers