This past weekend, RALLYTHON hosted their annual 5K as part of UVM Weekend. The race is "100% student-led," explains Mimi Sperl, Assistant Director of Civic Engagement at UVM. "The event was planned by RALLYTHON's executive board and staffed by nearly three dozen volunteers from the Larner College of Medicine, UVM Children's Hospital, and members of UVM's fraternity and sorority life community."

Sean Hales '26 and Jasper Henderson '25 cross the finish line together, hand in hand. Credit: Liv Hayden '25

In total, over 100 people registered for the early morning run and raised $2,100 for UVM Children’s Hospital, a dramatic increase from 2022's same event. In just one year, the team was able to triple the registration numbers and double the total amount raised. "Seeing such a turnout from the UVM and Burlington community to raise funds for their local children's hospital was amazing and incredibly heartfelt," says Madeline Wood ’25, a junior English major and RALLYTHON's Director of Events. "It will be felt by all patients and their families!"

Now in its nineth year, RALLYTHON has raised over $850,000 for UVM Children’s Hospital. The event is part of a movement of over 300 colleges and universities across the country who come together to raise money for their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. Funds raised by RALLYTHON support special programs and services, life-saving equipment, education, and research. Most notably, donations from RALLYTHON support UVM Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program—a program specially tailored to help children and their families feel a sense of “normalcy” in an otherwise scary time.

"It was a beautiful turn out of students, parents, alumni, community members, and friends of the hospital," added Sperl. "We are so proud of the students and their amazing start to the year."

As Vermont's Academic Medical Center, the UVM Children's Hospital and the Larner College of Medicine at UVM partner in delivering patient care grounded in the latest research while serving as educators and mentors. Learn more about specific research and education initiatives from the Larner College of Medicine at UVM Department of Pediatrics