West Virginia University students and the WVU School of Medicine will join more than 30 colleges and universities nationwide in a 24-hour dance marathon Feb. 18-19 to benefit cancer research.

Last year dancers raised $68,000 to aid cancer research at WVU Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network affiliate.

“We hope to raise even more this year,”said Tiffany Pastor, the director of this year’s event.”We would really like for everyone on campus (students, faculty and staff) to get involved in some way.”

The 24-hour event will begin Friday, Feb.18 at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair food court and will end Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the upstairs ballrooms. Highlights will include:

Opening and closing ceremonies at 7 p.m.,

A step show Friday at 9 p.m.,

Skits on Saturday from 11 a.m.1 p.m., and

A performance by The Mahalia Choir Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

The public is invited to make donations or stop by the Mountainlair to support those dancing in the marathon.