A group of mothers and grandmothers known as the “MOMbies” is bringing Halloween fun back to the streets of Fairfield, Connecticut, with a special mission that goes far beyond costumes and dance moves.

Dressed as zombies and performing energetic choreographed routines, the women have turned an unusual Halloween tradition into a powerful fundraising movement supporting metastatic breast cancer research.

The group has now raised more than $1.4 million, according to its official website, inspiring audiences with a combination of humor, friendship, creativity and charitable work.

Their latest Halloween performance was featured on ABC’s World News Tonight on October 30, 2026, as part of a celebration of people making a positive difference in their communities.

How the MOMbies Tradition Began

The MOMbies began in 2016 when a group of mothers in Fairfield, Connecticut, secretly learned the choreography for Michael Jackson’s legendary song “Thriller.”

Their original idea was to surprise their children and neighborhood trick-or-treaters with a Halloween flash mob.

The performance quickly attracted attention, and videos of the dancing mothers spread widely online.

What began as a one-time Halloween prank soon developed into an annual tradition.

According to the MOMbies’ official backstory, the group eventually decided to use its growing popularity to support a meaningful cause.

Dancing to Support Breast Cancer Research

The group’s mission evolved into what it calls “Dance to Donate.”

The MOMbies perform to raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Research is essential to improving treatments and extending the lives of people living with the disease.

The group says its fundraising efforts have raised more than $1.4 million since its formation.

Its official website also highlights the support of Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers and medical professionals, who have praised the group’s contribution to cancer research.

Readers can learn more about the mission and donations through the official MOMbies website.

From ‘Thriller’ to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé

The MOMbies have continued to entertain audiences with performances inspired by popular music.

Their routines have included Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” along with music from artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.

The performances combine zombie costumes, theatrical makeup and carefully rehearsed choreography.

Although the group is made up of everyday mothers, grandmothers and community members rather than professional dancers, their energetic performances have attracted millions of online views.

The women spend weeks preparing for their Halloween appearances, practicing dance routines and organizing costumes.

A Growing Community With a Powerful Message

Over the years, the MOMbies have grown into a community of more than 250 participants.

The group says its success is about more than fundraising. It also celebrates friendship, confidence, creativity and the importance of supporting people affected by serious illness.

Some members have personal connections to breast cancer, making the cause especially meaningful.

Their performances have also inspired audiences to contribute to research and spread awareness about metastatic breast cancer.

ABC News Celebrates the MOMbies

On October 30, ABC News featured the group’s latest Halloween performance in a segment shared by David Muir.

The report highlighted how the women have transformed a fun Halloween activity into a charitable movement that has raised millions of dollars.

ABC News also noted that viewers have contributed more than $250,000 during previous Halloween broadcasts alone.

The story demonstrated how a small community idea can grow into something with a much wider impact.

Watch the ABC News report on the MOMbies’ 2026 Halloween dance.

More Than a Halloween Performance

For the MOMbies, the zombie costumes and dance routines are only part of the story.

Their mission is to bring people together, encourage charitable giving and support research that could improve the lives of people affected by metastatic breast cancer.

What started as a surprise Halloween performance in 2016 has become a decade-long tradition with an extraordinary charitable impact.

As the MOMbies return for another Halloween, their message remains simple: ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference when they work together.

Sources: ABC News, official MOMbies website and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.