UA Miracle, the largest student-run organization on campus, has dedicated the last 14 years to recognizing the unwavering strength of children and families facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable.
The group spends all year fundraising for Children’s of Alabama pediatric hospital in Birmingham. Their efforts culminate in BAMAthon: a time to honor the courage and determination of Children’s patients.
This year’s 12-hour dance marathon full of games, entertainment, food and fun will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 in the University of Alabama Student Center. At the end of the night, the total raised for the year will be announced.
100% of fundraising goes directly to Children’s of Alabama patients and their families. BAMAthon serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that can be made when people come together with a shared purpose. UA Miracle stands with the children who are fighting for their lives.
For Sydney Clements, UA Miracle’s vice president of advancement, this is personal.
Her brother, Carter, was born with a cardiac condition at only 2 years old. She would often visit her brother at the pediatric hospital in her home state of Indiana. Sadly, he lost his battle after three weeks, but “if it hadn’t been for Children’s, we never would have had those 21 days,” she said.
Now, she shares his story to keep his memory alive.
“A lot of times we hear success stories. That’s great. We want those, but it isn’t always that way… The more funds we raise, the more we can help kids like Carter and also care for siblings like me.”
Clements is not the only member with a deep-rooted connection to the cause.
The Miracle Kids are the heart and cause connection that reminds us that these are the faces, these are the hearts impacted.
Madeline Wieringa, vice president of miracles, aspires to become a doctor. Part of her aspiration stems from her brother.
“When my brother was born, he was in the hospital for a long time,” she said. “My parents were in the hospital with him dealing with surgeries, post-op and infections. Thankfully, he is fine today.”
Her parents spent several months in the hospital with her brother, Jack, between surgeries and post-operative infections. No matter how bleak his situation became, his doctors and health care team served as a constant source of comfort and assurance for her family. Years later, her goal is to help families with similar stories.
This year’s theme is “This is Why.” Some UA Miracle staff will share their “why’s” onstage.
Clements said, “Everyone comes in for a different reason… You might come in with no personal connection, but you will leave with one. We take on each other’s burdens, their why’s, their stories.”
At BAMAathon, participants will write a reason why they’re there on a white hospital wristband. Clements will write her brother’s name. Then, people will exchange each other’s wristbands and wear them the entire day.
Sixty Children’s patients are admitted every minute. They wear these wristbands for weeks or months, but UA Miracle only wears them for 12 hours.
“We raise the money to help make cutting the wristbands off possible,” said President Hayden Phillips, “For some people, their bands say ‘for more first days of school’ or ‘for kids to get the chance at a normal childhood.’”
About Miracle Kids
As the vice president of miracles, Wieringa acts as the liaison between Miracle Kids and UA Miracle.
Each year, families apply for their children to be part of the program. UA Miracle plans special events for the children throughout the year. These kids not only spend time with UA students, but other kids going through treatment at Children’s.
“The Miracle Kids are the heart and cause connection that reminds us that these are the faces, these are the hearts impacted,” Wieringa said. “It is really sweet because they can connect with kids who understand where they’ve been and have been in their shoes. When it comes time for BAMAthon, everyone knows each other and they can get to be a kid and goof off.”
Citing her personal experience, Clements said this is special for the siblings too.
“If we get cookies for the Miracle Kids, the siblings get cookies too. It’s important to engage them because their life is also turned upside down with a sibling in the hospital,” she added.
How To Participate in BAMAthon
Whether you’re a student, faculty, staff or someone in the community looking to make a difference, there is a place for you with UA Miracle. Every dollar raised helps children overcome their health battles.
“Leading up to BAMAthon, remember our strength is in numbers. We want anyone to join. It develops a heart of service and humility in you, but the money goes directly to the kids,” said Wieringa.
Anyone can walk in the Student Center Ballroom and register on the spot with a $20 donation. Guests do not have to stay the entire 12 hours but can pop in and out throughout the day. Two meals will be served, which are donated from local sponsors.
How to Donate
All donations go directly to Children’s of Alabama.
- Venmo @uamiracle2025
- Email uamiracle@ua.edu for more information on donating via check.
To become a corporate partner or sponsor — it’s not too late — contact Sydney Clements at slclements@crimson.ua.edu. Businesses and families can sponsor by donating a check of any amount. The money will go to the hospital, but they will be listed as a BAMAthon sponsor.
For More Information
Visit their UA Miracle’s website or contact uamiracle@ua.edu.