Dance Marathon key chain – $3, coffee mug – $6, calendar – $12, bringing a smile to a sick child’s face – priceless.

Yesterday Dance Marathon mini-marathon had children forgetting about their hospital visits and only about having a good time and smiling.

The mini-marathon, which lasted for six hours, was just a precursor for the actual 36-hour marathon that will take place next weekend at the Student Recreation Center.

But John Lechman from the Children’s Miracle Network, said this mini-marathon was anything but mini.

‘They may call it mini-marathon, but there is nothing mini about your hearts,’ Lechman told everyone yesterday.

These huge hearts Lechman spoke of were all the people who continue to help children such as Eric Rine.

Rachel Rine, whose brother was born with spina bifida and a DM miracle child, can’t wait until next weekend where she plans to dance non-stop in support of her brother and the joy he brings to everyone around him.

‘It was difficult to accept that Eric was going to be sick for a while, but he has another purpose than being sick all the time,’ Rine said. ‘Eric brings cheer to everyone, he’s never has a problem at doing that.’

While Eric was running around the mini-marathon being a kid, money was being raised to help pay for his recovery.

The nearly 250 dancers, 250 moralers and 100 core committee members for DM have raised thousands of dollars already. The total amount raised will be announced at the conclusion of next weekend’s marathon. Last year the mini-marathon raised $2,876 for the children.

Even though the money raised is of huge importance, the smiles are even more important said Ashley Harper, family relations chair.

‘Our goal is to put a smile on a child’s face, the money raised is an added bonus,’ she said. ‘This mini-marathon is another opportunity to get these kids smiling and also to get the whole community aware and hopefully involved with what the University is doing for these kids.’

These smiles are just one of the many benefits the nearly 200 families involved in the Dance Marathon receive. Thus far mini-marathon has raised almost more than a $1,000 more than last year’s marathon at $3,830.

Dance Marathon will start Saturday at 10 a.m. and go until 6 p.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to attend.