Each year, Ohio State students come together to participate in BuckeyeThon, a 24-hour dance marathon that supports the kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and their families. Students are required to raise a minimum of $100 in order to participate, but are encouraged to continue raising more than the required amount. This year, participants raised $767,227.78 For The Kids, and the Ohio State Her Campus chapter helped raised $2,063 of that amount!
BuckeyeThon’s mission is to raise money to help children who are treated in the Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which is a part of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
More than 3,000 particpants came to the Ohio Union for this event. BuckeyeThon was split into two 12-hour shifts. The first shift was from 8:00 PM Friday to 8:00 AM Saturday, and the second shift was from 11:00 AM Saturday to 11:00 PM. Not only was there dancing, but also other activities including Olympic-themed games and hair cutting for donation. Two of our Her Campus girls, Laura Cardi and Kayla Belcher, donated their hair, and we are very proud of them for demonstrating that courage!
BuckeyeThon is an event that every student should be a part of because of what it aims to accomplish, and it is such a rewarding experience. These kids have gone through more in their lifetime than the average college student and there is so much everyone can learn from these kids. Their positivity through their life-changing processes and willingness to help other children who undergo similar circumstances are characteristics of strong, loving individuals, and these are qualities we should all seek to possess. We take so many things and people for granted in life and, as a result, we don’t always take the moment to appreciate what we have around us. These kids have taught me to appreciate life and all the ups and downs that come along with it. Maintaining a positive attitude will only help you, as it has for these kids.
Although the dance marathon happens once a year, helping the kids shouldn’t only be reserved for the 24-hour dance event. BuckeyeThon is committed to this cause as they host events and activities throughout the year to raise money For The Kids. If you want to find out more information about BuckeyeThon or how you can help, visit their website. We hope to see all of you and many new faces at next year’s BuckeyeThon! One day we will dance for joy, but until then we dance for life.