Dare to Do More: Fall Push Announcement 2025

Raegan McMullan
Oct 3
3 min read

Updated: Oct 13

Ready to do more? We are so excited to share our 2025 Fall Push: Dare to Do More! From October 4th through October 9th, DM at FSU has an incredible lineup of events you will not want to miss! This year’s slogan, Dare to Do More, is a challenge to our entire community, our dancers, sponsors, and supporters, to go above and beyond our previous efforts and truly make an extraordinary difference for the children and families we serve. We can’t wait to see you all there!

Highlighting Our Miracle Families This Fall Push is all about making miracles come true for children like Bailey and Owen, two of our Miracle Children who remind us daily why we dare to do more.

Bailey is a true miracle, born with the rare chromosome disorder, Turner Syndrome. At just two weeks old, she underwent heart surgery to correct a birth defect. She receives ongoing care at the UF Health Turner Syndrome Clinic, where multiple specialists monitor her growth, heart, and kidney function. The breadth of care available at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital has been a lifeline for her family. Bailey is now an active 15-year-old with a bubbly personality, whose life is not defined by her diagnosis.

Owen was born with a rare congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries. Despite a healthy pregnancy, he lacked sufficient oxygen at birth. He was rushed to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital via ShandsCair and had his first surgery at only five hours old. Two weeks later, he underwent open-heart surgery. After nearly two months in the pediatric intensive care unit, Owen went home and is now thriving, loving the outdoors and playing with his siblings. Thanks to donations, Owen received the specialized, lifesaving care he desperately needed.

A Week of Events!

We have planned a week packed with fun and fundraising to hit our goals and help more children like Bailey and Owen:

Harvest Hustle 5K: Kick off the week on October 5th at 8:30 AM with our 5K

and 1-mile options. Lace up your sneakers and race for a reason!

Catalina Cafe Share-It: Also on October 5th, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, grab a

delicious coffee or treat at Catalina Cafe, and a portion of the proceeds will be

donated back to our cause.

Brick House Share-It: On Tuesday, October 7th from 5pm - 9pm join us at Brick House! Come out to watch the new episode of Dancing With the Stars while sharing some appetizers.
Miracle Market: Join us on October 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Langford

Green for a fun, fall-themed event! Our Miracle Market will feature a Morale-o-Ween trunk-or-treat, a live band, local vendors, and games. Come dressed in your costume and enjoy the spirited evening!

Vale Share-It: Come out and grab some dinner with your friends on October 9th from 5pm - 9pm at the Vale in Collegetown. Make sure to mention DMFSU at checkout!

Supporting the Hang Tough Foundation Beyond our work with UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, we are proud to continue our support for the Hang Tough Foundation. Started in 2015 by two mothers whose children were undergoing Leukemia treatment at UF Health Shands, the foundation was established to fill the gap for community and connection among families experiencing childhood medical and special needs diagnoses. Our fundraising efforts during the Fall Push will help fund activities like their Teen Hangout Program, which provides teens with a community environment through social activities, life skills, and workforce development education. Hang Tough offers a positive outlet and essential community support for these families right here in our area.

Your Chance to Do More

Ultimately, the Fall Push is about bringing together our collective power to make a substantial impact. Every dollar counts, and we have specific asks that show you exactly where your donation is going:

● $6 will purchase a specialized paintbrush for a patient’s art therapy.

● $10 provides a blood pressure cuff for a patient’s care.

● $15 covers the cost of LEGO kits for distraction therapy.

● $20 contributes to one of the 20 total newborn bassinets needed at Shands.

● $21 provides resources for the 21 patients seen every day in Unit 44 at Shands.

Our goal is for everyone to try to raise at least $72 during the Fall Push and attend all our events! This week is your opportunity to truly Dare to Do More. Will you accept the challenge?