Founded on the principle of making miracles happen.
At UGA Miracle, we are more than just a student organization – we are a movement, a family, and a force for good. Founded on the principle of making miracles happen, we are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families battling pediatric illness. Every dollar we raise, every event we host, and every smile we ignite contributes to a brighter future for children facing medical challenges.
Your generosity provides critical funding for life-saving treatments, innovative research, and essential support services for children and families facing pediatric illness. A significant portion of your support goes to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, where it funds groundbreaking research, cutting-edge therapies, and holistic support programs for children battling cancer and blood disorders.
Additionally, your donations play a vital role in supporting Rehabilitation Services at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. These services encompass a wide range of programs and therapies designed to help children regain mobility, independence, and quality of life after injury or illness. From physical therapy to occupational therapy to speech-language therapy, your support ensures that children receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive.
Meet the Team
Executive Director
Sara Ruth Raines
External Director
Pierce Counter
Internal Director
Alex Brown
Program Director
Mikayla Moody
Finance Director
Rachel Roberts
Communications Director
Libby Hagan
Video Chair
Ansley Perdue
Photo Chair
Emily Myers
Merchandise Chair
Aileen Balasa
Public Relations Chair
Maggie Fertig
Design Chair
Sami Sanders
Sponsorship Chair
Lucy Rentz
Sponsorship Chair
Rachel Cox
Fundraising Chair
Sarah Yasine
Fundraising Chair
Anna Palmeri
Community Marathons Chair
Molly Honan
Community Marathons Chair
Meg Hyser
Membership Chair
Noah Lewis
Membership Chair
Helen Conn
Alumni and Families Chair
Caroline Buckner
Campus Recruitment Chair
Ema Clair Caine
Campus Recruitment Chair
Annie Marks
Family Relations Chair
Ariel Hill
Family Relations Chair
Mitchell McDaniel
Hospital Relations Chair
Annika Speakman
Hospital Relations Chair
Matthew Haberman
Ignite Chair
Elise Mercure
Ignite Chair
Caden Storm
Marathon Events Chair
Caroline Zimmerman
External Events Chair
Alli Fitch
Morale Chair
Spencer Krone
Morale Chair
Sophie Gaudette
Graduate Advisor
Hailey Hickox
Leadership Team
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Production - Caroline Howley, Cindy Choi, Emma Peterson, Spiros Kefalas
Marketing - Allie Robinson, Ava Von Kutzleben, Kamryn Campbell, Liza Brown, Remmy Baisden
Merchandise - Olivia Bassett
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Fundraising- Keirsten Nizen, Sophia Makrinos
FAC- Anna Palmeri, Annika Jenks, Autumn Workman, Bethany Wilson, Kate Doherty, Lauren Lewallen, Maria Rigopoulis, Michael Ferry, Morgan Millsaps, Sarah Yasine
Sponsorship- Kaia Folsom, Caroline Reisman, Lila Legler, Madeleine Koss
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Alumni & Family Relations- Anna Kate Robinson, Caroline Buckner, Ellie Atkinson, Maggie Fertig, Olivia Kirkman
External Events- Julia Kellerman, Cecelia Gililand, Noelle Sullivan, Ellington Emery
Campus Recruitment - Alli Fitch, Andrew Heck, Chandler Baugh, Ema Clair Caine, Jaclyn Griffin, Marcella Blancato, Tru Marsh
Ambassadors - Ariel Abernathy, Avri Bartoloozi, Caroline McMillan, Gigi Strub, Rachel Cox
Membership- Ella Thornton, Max Grabow, Max Bendig, Samantha Schoenfield, Faith Wert
Team Captains - Alex Ribic, Anna Breaux, Avery Fowler, Brandon Loos, Bria Smith, Cara Singer, Caroline Scott, Chester Evans, Cole Battles, Cooper Hardy, Elise Sprague, Elle Winings, Emerson Rand, Erick Samaniego, Helen Conn, Jill Fullick, Julia Ronning, Katie Beth Brewer, Kinsleigh Purvis, Kiran Proctor, Lauren Garrity, Lila Norris, Lily Burnett, Lizzie Rebber, Madison Germain, Marissa Puckett, Noah Lewis, Peyton Sharpe, Salil Shah, Saunders Hull, Shelby Watson, Taryn Halley, Tyler Wagner, William Souza, Zachary SIlver
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Family Relations - Addison Harrill, Amanda Finley, Keagan Croom, Lilly Kinsey, Lily Melton, Mary Webb, Mitchel McDaniel, Sydney Hebebrand
Ignite- Briana Paez, Danny Bolanos, Elise Mercure, Luca Blancato, Owen Randall, Sumner Shafer, Sydney Mandell, Tyler Garrett
Hospital Relations - Annika Speakman, Cassidy Head, Emily Dullye, Emily Smith, Kate Banks, Matthew Haberman, McKenna Ryan, Sofia Homiak
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Morale - Alexandra Kennedy, Annie Marks, Ben Hill, Jake Kinney, Sophie Gaudette, Spencer Krone
Community Marathons- Alessandra Cawley, Anna Benedetto, Autumn Cox, Caroline Kaiser, Emily Myers, Hannah Davis, Kate Harris, Kate O'Loughlin, Lucy Rentz, Madison Gould, Mariah Monroig, Meg Hyser, Molly Honan
Marathon Events- Aleyna Cirig-Beebe, Noelle Richardson
FAQs
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In 1995, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals approached the University of Georgia’s Greek Life Office with the vision of establishing a Dance Marathon program on our campus. In our inaugural year, Dance Marathon at UGA® exceeded all expectations, raising over $20,000 with less than 300 participants.
Our dedication and impact continued to grow over the years. In 2002, UGA® Miracle received its first Student Organization Achievement and Recognition Award for Outstanding Campus Event, recognizing the incredible success of our Dance Marathon. By 2006, our fundraising efforts had surged to over $250,000, earning us our first Organization of the Year Award.
In 2008, recognizing the need for a broader identity to encompass our expanding scope, we underwent a transformative rebranding. UGA® Miracle was born, reflecting our commitment to serving beyond just Dance Marathon events. In 2012, we established the Alumni Connection, ensuring that the bonds of our Miracle family extend far beyond graduation.
Our dedication and passion culminated in 2017 when UGA® Miracle raised a staggering $1,352,705.17, solidifying our position as the single largest scholastic donor to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Yet, our journey doesn’t end here. We remain committed to growth, innovation, and impact, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
In 2024, UGA® Miracle achieved unprecedented success, raising a remarkable $1,075,281.24 and solidifying our position as a driving force for good in the Athens and surrounding communities. Through innovative initiatives and unwavering dedication, we shattered records, expanded our reach, and reaffirmed our commitment to making miracles happen for children and families in need. As we look ahead, we are inspired to continue our mission with even greater passion and determination, knowing that together, we can make a difference that truly matters.
As we continue to evolve, one thing remains unchanged – our unwavering commitment to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, our Miracle families, and each other. Together, we stand as a beacon of hope and love, making miracles happen one step at a time.
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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the United States, dedicated to providing high-quality medical care to children from infancy through young adulthood. With over 100 years of experience, Children’s has built a reputation for excellence in pediatric healthcare, research, and education.
Reach and Facilities
Children's operates three hospitals: Egleston, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding, along with numerous outpatient clinics and specialty centers across the Atlanta metro area. Together, these facilities provide a comprehensive range of pediatric services, including emergency care, surgery, oncology, cardiology, and more. The network handles more than 1 million patient visits annually, serving children from Georgia and beyond.
Cause and Mission
Children’s is committed to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow. The healthcare system focuses on patient-centered care, ensuring that each child receives personalized treatment in a supportive and compassionate environment. Children’s also emphasizes family-centered care, recognizing the vital role families play in the healing process.
Recognitions and Ranking
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation. It has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in multiple pediatric specialties, including: Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Cancer, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and Nephrology.
*These rankings reflect Children's commitment to clinical excellence, innovative research, and exceptional patient care.
Community Impact
Beyond clinical care, Children’s is deeply involved in the Atlanta community. It offers numerous outreach programs, health education initiatives, and partnerships with local schools and organizations to promote child health and wellness.
For more information visit: https://www.choa.org/about-us
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UGA® Miracle is incredibly fortunate to have 45 Miracle Families who inspire everyone involved in the organization and epitomize our core values. Our relationships with these families continually remind us of the true meaning behind "30 Years of Hope." The entire Dance Marathon team feels honored and privileged to welcome these amazing families each year and receive their support for our students.