46 For The Kids

Penn State has always been known for many great things; football games, Creamery ice cream, the “WE ARE” cheer, Old Main, College Ave – but there are few memories created over my past three years that are as memorable as dancing in THON.

The Penn State Dance Marathon is the world’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, a year round fundraiser that raises money for pediatric cancer. In 2010, THON helped raise $7.8 million for children and families of the Four Diamonds Fund. THON students solicit donations through THONvelopes, “Canning”, and the THON 5K. The actual Dance Marathon takes place in February, when over 15,000 student volunteers run the 46-hour, no-sitting, on-your-feet dance.

I danced in THON as a representative of my fraternity, Alpha Zeta, in which a fellow sister and I danced as a couple for an entire weekend. There was a bit of training involved, and I spent many hours at the gym getting my legs in shape. We also had to cut caffeine and sweets out of our diet for three weeks leading up to the event. Each dancer is given a “Moraler”, which is another student that encourages/supports each dancer to continue during the arduous 46 hours on their feet.

 Kristin (my dancing partner) and I at the start of THON

We stood up at 6 pm on Friday evening and went until 4 pm on Sunday. Including the total hours I had been awake from that Friday morning, the total was right around 54 hours without sleep.

THON is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

 I can’t even begin to describe the pain I felt in my heels during the last 16 hours; it felt like someone was driving nails into my heels. With about 12 hours left in THON, I started to become delirious, and there are events at THON that I don’t even remember. However, every time I think about how much pain I went through that weekend, I always relate to the kids with pediatric cancer and what they have to experience, and I honestly believe that, -- 46 hours is nothing compared to what these children have to face.

 Kristin and I with our Moralers

There are some great things I got to remember from THON. All of my friends had floor passes so they could visit me during the weekend, and we always had plenty of good food, too! One of my favorite events is Dancer Mail, which is when all the dancers receive letters from their friends and family encouraging them to keep dancing, and to stay strong. This was very uplifting because Dancer Mail takes place in the middle of Saturday night when very few people are in the stands to cheer on the dancers.

 My brother came to visit!

At the end of the 46 hours, the total for 2011 – $9.56 million – was announced! The total surpassed the 2011 goal, which was $8 million. I’m so glad I danced in THON; for all the pain I experienced, it will be one of my greatest memories in my life. For those who have never been to THON, I would encourage you to go to www.thon.org to find out more information about this great cause. I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout the weekend; I know I couldn’t have done it without you! 

 Crowd at the Bryce Jordan Center during the last 4 hours of THON

I received this message a few days after THON, and it really helped me put into perspective why I danced for 46 hours.

Someone asked me, "What does dancing have to do with cancer? How does dancing for cancer help the kids?" I said "Because it helps raise awareness." They said "I don't get it." I didn't really know

how to explain but now, after THON, I understand.

That weekend, I began to realize what it’s like to be a pediatric cancer patient. I don't think I ever will fully understand but here is what I learned.

When you're at THON, (the hospital) all people tell you is "keep moving" ("get better soon"). The pain from your feet (from cancer) is so difficult to bare. But some things help alleviate it, like ice baths (chemo) or massages (radiation). You get tons of dancer mail (letters, balloons, flowers, and prayers) from all the people you know and love and it helps you smile again and gives you a little more energy to keep going (keep fighting the cancer). When you're at THON they give you tons of food but I never really ate too much (chemo makes it difficult to enjoy the same food and there is are only a few things you can bare to eat). You do the line dance (get check ups and treatments) every hour to help you stay awake.

When your parents are on the floor (hospital room) it makes you so happy. But when their pass time is up (they need to go home to take care of siblings or animals) it makes you sad and they have such a hard time leaving because they know you need them there. But then your friends gets passes and come down on the floor (to visit you at your hospital room) and they make you smile but eventually their pass time expires too (hospital visiting hours are over). It feels great to see your friends up in the stands (know that they are there for you) even if they aren't right next to you. Don't forget about the Moralers (nurses) and Morale Captains (Doctors) who REALLY know how to take care of you when you are starting to hurt badly or fall asleep (cancer gets worse) on the floor. They know exactly what you need (what treatments to give you) because they have done THON before (worked with many pediatric cancer patients).

We realize that the legs cramps and sore feet (going bald from treatments) are only temporary. And even though sometimes we want to sit down (give up the fight) we push through. Because in the very end of THON (your cancer treatments) you see the total amount raised (your doctor tells you that you are cancer free) and you cry and cry because you realized you have made a difference (you've beat the cancer) and you can finally sit down (be cured) and relax (live your life to the fullest).