Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Major/Minor: Industrial Engineering/Business Administration
Year: Junior
Other Organization Involvement: Favorite Clemson Tradition: Sigma Kappa, FCA
Why did you choose to come to Clemson?
For me, it was the perfect combination. I wanted to major in engineering while staying instate. Clemson allowed me to have both.
What is Clemson Miracle?
Clemson Miracle is the largest student-run nonprofit organization that benefits and raises money for our closest Children’s Miracle Network Hospital – GHS Children’s Hospital. Currently, we have around 100 people on committees and 50 people on morale. Both are run by an executive board of 26 members and 8 directors.
How did you get involved in Clemson Miracle?
Currently, I serve as the executive director. However, I started out on the morale team. My sister was treated at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Charlotte. Once I got accepted to Clemson, I found out that Clemson had an organization benefitting CMN, and I reached out to an upperclassman I knew in the organization.
How has your involvement influenced you personally?
I have made a lot of new friends through Clemson Miracle. There is a wide variety of people on the board, and it has brought me a nice family that allows for deeper connections.
What is your favorite thing about this organization? Do you have a favorite memory?
My favorite thing about Clemson Miracle is the big event in the spring – Dance Marathon. It’s an energetic 12 hours of nonstop dancing, and when it ends, you wish it wasn’t over. Last year, when we flipped our total, I was floored. It was the first time we reached six figures. We surpassed our goal of $110,000 and raised $126,000. It was definitely my favorite memory to date.
What are Clemson Miracle’s plans for this year? How do you hope this organization impacts campus?
We recently revealed our fundraising goal of $232,000 in honor of the 232 beds at GHS. The money will be split between a healing garden and a camp endowment. Landscape architecture students from Clemson have planned the healing garden, and we hope to fund it. It will be wheelchair and hospital bed accessible on this rooftop garden, and it will allow them to get fresh air. The camp endowment will fund camps that make these children feel like perfectly healthy children. Specific nurses are on staff to allow children with lung issues, cancer, and other specific illnesses to enjoy a normal camp experience.
Dance Marathon is on February 24th in Fike Recreation Center. We hope to get the campus more involved this year and to have the whole university support this effort.
How can someone get involved in Clemson Miracle and Dance Marathon?
It is very easy to join us! You can check us out on our website and follow us on social media @clemsonmiracle. We will also be tabling on library bridge, so stop by and see us. You can register as a dancer and fundraise on your personal page. The holidays are the perfect time to ask family to support you, and I have found that venmo requests to friends can help you reach your goal!