Students pick up the pace in the final hours of the 2018 DemonTHON. On Feb. 16, Lurie Children's Hospital honored the organization for raising more than $1 million dollars since its inception in 2011. (DePaul University/Katie Donovan)
On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago honored
DemonTHON with a room dedication for raising more than $1 million over the program's history. Known best for its annual 24-hour dance marathon each spring, DemonTHON is DePaul's Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon student organization which aims to raise funds, awareness and support for children with pediatric illness.
The hospital unveiled a plaque outside of its 15th floor family living room during a virtual ceremony featuring DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban; President and Chief Development Officer of Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation, Grant Stirling; and DePaul student and DemonTHON Executive Director, Kalli Lambros.
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago honored DemonTHON with a room dedication for raising more than $1 million dollars over the program's history.
Maci Hanson, a development officer for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, advisor to DemonTHON and liaison between the organization and Lurie Children's Hospital, knew the family living room was a perfect fit when deciding which space to dedicate.
“This living room serves as a place for patients and their family members to come together and build community while undergoing care at Lurie Children's," Hanson says. “This use aligns nicely with DemonTHON's 2020-21 campaign, 'Bigger Than Us,' which centers around how DemonTHON's impact spans DePaul's campuses and community, and the communities that Lurie Children's serves."
Lambros, now a senior at DePaul, has been involved with DemonTHON since her freshman year.
“It feels amazing to be executive director during this time. DemonTHON is like a second family to me," she says. “It's rewarding and I'm excited to celebrate this honor with them."
The honor is one for the entire DePaul community. Founded in 2011, it has taken the time, energy and passion of more than 2,000 student leaders, program alumni, and faculty and staff supporters nearly 10 years to reach the $1 million milestone.
"DemonTHON continues to directly benefit the children and families that we are privileged to serve," Stirling says. “Its legacy will continue to be celebrated with a named space on the 15th floor of Lurie Children's Hospital. What better way to show how DemonTHON exemplifies 'one generation fighting for the next.'"
Celebrate with DemonTHON by visiting
Demonthon.org to watch the recording of the dedication ceremony. DemonTHON's second largest fundraising event of the year will take place Saturday, Feb. 20.
Consider donating to Miracles 'til Midnight to benefit children receiving treatment at Lurie's Children's Hospital. The annual Big Event, a 24-hour dance marathon, is set for April 10.