Before I even got to Penn State, I remember the students
standing on the medians in the middle of busy streets or on the corners of
shopping centers. I knew they were raising money for pediatric cancer. What a
great cause, I thought. Turns out I didn’t have a clue how much of an impact
those students waving their pompoms really had on pediatric cancer. When I
arrived on campus freshman year, we sat through countless orientations. Countless times I heard the reminder "get involved with THON,"and, come October, that’s exactly what I did.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPmC8_Oy71c9XPWzxgJ_Ssu8rD12BQtiHx6kGoNe4st-WR6sjNvao5YR8qNBj-rYTAbxUzRyhNWxzaJbjJorIuNskUvCERAelqjerTeKZKogDUcbou7ZoeceB7Zh8aDnRPLKiiZ0mtk8/s320/THON+PIC+2.jpg)
Experiencing these two THON weekends is a major reason of
why I continue to THON. If you talk to any student volunteer, I think they will
say the same thing--its indescribable. Seeing your year long
efforts culminate into one weekend is an amazing feeling. On top of that, the
last four hours of THON are in itself, a huge motivation to stay involved. Seeing the Bryce
Jordan Center floor during those last four hours reassures you of why you work so
hard for this amazing cause. THON 2013 Final Line Dance
I also want to reflect on part of the
reason I am so inspired by this cause. In 2004, when I was in 6th grade, one of my closest friends, Danielle, worked hard to raise money for the
Leuikemia/Lymphoma Society. Her younger brother was diagnosed with
Leukemia at a very young age, and she took it upon herself to try and make a
difference and save other children like her brother who were battling
for their lives. We were 12 years old when she started to fundraise. I saw first hand what pediatric cancer does to a family. No one
deserves to go through those challenges. That same year, I attended a reception
where Danielle went on to win Woman of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society because of her fundraising efforts. At 12 years old, she was the
youngest recipient of this award. Her passion for a cause so close to her heart
and success at such a young age inspires me to take on this challenge. Her
brother is now healthy and has won his battle, but there are many that don’t
have his luck. This is why I THON.
Diamonds up! |
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