I THON because no child should have to battle pediatric cancer, and I was one of those children

I know what it’s like to be young and “sick;” I understand how terrifying it is to not understand why everyone is so worried about you

In 15 short days, we dance For the Cure. THON weekend is so close and it’s crunch time. Captains and their committees are working overtime to make sure everyone is prepped and ready. Directors are running around ironing out every last detail before February 17. Yet, even with all this mayhem, THON Executive Director, Austin Sommerer, somehow always manages to look perfect. (Whatever, Austin.)

Students have already started taking small measures, like cutting out caffeine, to make sure they can make it through those 46 hours. Personally, I cut out coffee two weeks ago and being someone who drinks three or four cups a day, I’m really struggling to stay awake and out of the Starbucks line.

We all know that THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world with over 15,000 student volunteers and we know why Penn State University dances for 46 hours every year since 1973 – to raise money for pediatric cancer research and provide support for patients and their families. But behind every volunteer is a different reason for joining the fight to end pediatric cancer. Not everyone is willing to share their own story, but THON has always been important to me, so I’m more than willing to share my reasons.

I THON because no child should have to battle cancer

I was diagnosed with Leukemia when I was four years old. I spent two years going through chemotherapy treatments at Children’s Hospital of UPMC. When I started kindergarten, my hair had already fallen out. I missed roughly 60 days of school that year, and most of the days I did go were extremely short. I had to wear surgical masks anytime I went out in public due to my weakened immune system. I know what it’s like to be young and “sick.” I understand how terrifying it can be to not understand why everyone is so worried about you.

I can now also understand how liberating it is to hear those words, “you’re cured!”

I THON because no sibling should have to watch their little brother or sister suffer

I have an older brother and sister. When I was diagnosed, their lives were just as disrupted as mine. My parents focused so much time and energy on me and sometimes, there wasn’t much attention left for them. They had people constantly asking how their sister was feeling. Meanwhile, they weren’t much older, so it was still difficult for them to comprehend. The most quality time we could all spend together was in a hospital room.

I understand how incredible it feels to tell people that your little brother or sister is cured.

I THON because no parent should have to hear the words “your child has cancer”

Being that I was so young, I don’t personally remember the day they told my family I had cancer. But I’m told that when they did, my dad left the room sobbing and my mom sat there staring at the doctor. All she said was, “What now?” I cannot even begin to fathom the turmoil my parents went through during those years of my treatment. I can’t count how many nights they slept in hospital rooms, on those little chairs and horrendous couches. I can’t count all the trips to the ER. Above all, I can’t count how many hours they spent crying and feeling helpless.

I can’t fathom how awful it would be to watch your child battle cancer, but I’ve got an idea.

I THON for the children fighting a battle they shouldn’t have to fight, but are strong enough to win.

For The Kids, For The Cure.

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