Dancing with purpose: DemonTHON powers miracles

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​Every April, hundreds of DePaul students join in dance, music, games and community to cheer, laugh, cry and move with purpose. To an outsider, it may seem like a one-day stress reliever before final exams, but for those involved, DemonTHON is a year-round, student-powered movement bringing hope, healing, joy and crucial funds to children and families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

This year, DePaul students are aiming to raise $125,000 for the cause. Over 13 years, DemonTHON has raised nearly $2.2 million for the hospital.

“During my four years with DemonTHON, I’ve met so many students touched by childhood illness,” says Parin Sensenbrenner, the organization’s executive director. “What inspires me most is how many people want to make a difference for current patients and the future of children’s health.”

Founded in 2011, DemonTHON culminates each spring with “The Big Event,” a one-day dance marathon that features 10 hours of performances, storytelling and joy. This year’s “Big Event” will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26 in the Student Center on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus. It’s free and open to the entire university community.

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“The Big Event” opens with “Dancing in Our Hearts,” honoring children from Lurie who have died. Families share their stories, reminding everyone why they’re there. Throughout the day, current and former Lurie patients — called "miracle children" — arrive with their families for activities tailored just for them. At the heart of the day is the morale dance, performed hourly as a symbol of resilience. The day ends with the reveal of the fundraising total.

“Our goal is to create a kid-centered event catered to their interests, where they can be celebrated and just be kids,” says Sensenbrenner, a communications and media major. “If a kid loves donuts and dress-up, we make sure they get to experience that joy.”

Isabella Monsalud, a health sciences major and DemonTHON’s Director of Hospital Relations for the past three years, coordinates with the hospital and families year-round. She sees and hears about the effect “The Big Event” has on the Lurie children and their families.

“We hear all the time that kids look forward to this day all year,” she says.

Throughout the year, DemonTHON is powered by passionate student leaders and volunteers who fundraise, connect with Lurie families, and build community. For Monsalud, the organization offered a unique entry point into a potential career in health care.

“I’ve been dancing since I was three, and DemonTHON was the perfect combination of my passions,” Monsalud says. “It’s more than just an event — it’s an opportunity to support families in the most genuine way.”

With around 30 students on its executive board, DemonTHON runs like a nonprofit. Members manage weekly meetings, host campus events, collaborate with local businesses, and mentor high school chapters like the one at Barrington High School.

Each year, the DemonTHON team sets an ambitious fundraising goal and works tirelessly to reach it through donation drives like Miracles ‘til Midnight, Valentine’s Day flower sales, Giving Tuesday campaigns, and partnerships with groups throughout DePaul.

“It’s not just one day in April,” Monsalud says. “It’s 364 other days of brainstorming, planning, and connecting with families and the campus community.”

In 2021, Lurie dedicated a family living room​ to DemonTHON after surpassing $1 million in donations.

DemonTHON’s strength lies in the connection students form with the hospital and its mission. Monsalud now volunteers with child life services at Lurie’s outpatient clinic, where she sees the toys, books and support services DemonTHON dollars help fund.

“I thought our money went to machines and treatments,” she says. “But so much of it supports emotional and social well-being. That’s just as important.”

The work is also deeply personal. Many members have firsthand experience with pediatric illness.

“We started a series called ‘Why Wednesdays,’ so members can share their reasons for being involved,” Sensenbrenner says. “Almost all are rooted in personal connection.”

Carson Pfeiffer, a secondary education graduate student, helps advise DemonTHON as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement.

“The passion and professionalism of the students has been so impressive to me,” he says. “They’re learning how to lead, collaborate, and show up for others in a way that’s going to shape who they are for the rest of their lives.”