UConn Students Dance Their Way to $2.2 Million for Connecticut Children's at HuskyTHON

Twenty-seven Connecticut Children’s patients, ranging in age from 5 to 16, received a VIP welcome as they joined more than 4,700 University of Connecticut students—the highest number for a Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon in the U.S. this year—who danced from 6 a.m. through midnight raising funds to benefit Connecticut Children’s Foundation.

The 27th annual 18-hour dance marathon, held March 7 in the UConn Volleyball Center on the Storrs campus, topped off the students’ year-long fundraising effort, which raised $2,223,489.67 in support of the only health system in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children.

With record-breaking participation and fundraising, this year’s Above All Else campaign showed the power of students coming together for something bigger than themselves"
Alyssa Piccoli, 2026 student Executive Director of HuskyTHON and Kappa Alpha Theta member.

“HuskyTHON continues to prove that our generation is ready to lift up the next and stand beside children and families at Connecticut Children’s,” says Alyssa.

Each year, HuskyTHON kicks off its dance marathon by forming a human tunnel to welcome patients and their families. More than 4,700 UConn students packed into the UConn Volleyball Center, where hearts warmed as each Miracle Child, accompanied by a fraternity, sorority or other student group, was met with cheers and thunderous applause.

HuskyTHON is a special treat for the patients who are celebrated, but it’s a terrific opportunity for their families, too. Seven-year-old Spencer, back for his second HuskyTHON, was hosted by Kappa Alpha Theta and Phi Sigma Pi. Spencer’s care journey with Connecticut Children’s began the day he was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. After 46 days in the NICU, he grew into a healthy toddler. Then, when Spencer was three years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Even though the arduous rounds of chemotherapy left him unable to walk, talk, or feed himself, his indomitable spirit never dimmed.

Today, Spencer continues to grow stronger every day—and at HuskyTHON, his family gets to step away from the hard parts and simply celebrate him. Alongside his siblings, Spencer is surrounded by college students whose enthusiasm turns the weekend into something joyful and unforgettable.

“From the moment Spencer’s hosts sent their welcome video, I was in tears,” Jillian shared.

“They made Spencer and his siblings feel so seen and celebrated. As a mom, you just want your children to know they matter, and HuskyTHON reminds our family that we’re surrounded by people who truly care.”
Jillian, Spencer's Mom

Patient Spencer standing with his family and Dance Representatives

HuskyTHON 2025 raised $2,102,853.03—at the time the highest total in the event’s 26-year history. Building on that momentum for HuskyTHON 2026, as midnight and the end of 18 hours of continuous dancing arrived, the students revealed the fundraising total from their 2026 efforts, holding placards onstage displaying an incredible $2,223,489.67 raised. This year’s achievement brings HuskyTHON’s 27-year cumulative total to more than $17M in support of patients and families at Connecticut Children’s.

At HuskyTHON, you see UConn students leading with purpose and inspiring an entire community to rally around children and families
Bob Duncan, Chief Operating Officer at Connecticut Children’s

“By lifting up our patients and keeping their stories at the heart of the experience, these student leaders remain deeply connected to the mission they serve. They represent a rising generation of leaders and philanthropists whose commitment is helping advance care today while shaping a stronger future for children tomorrow,” said Bob.