We’ve all heard the numbers before: over 16,500 student volunteers, more than 136 million dollars raised and over 400 organizations participating. However, what actually goes on leading up to and during the 46 hours that is the culmination of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? We’ve interviewed students in different roles to figure out how they’re contributing to making THON 2018 the best one yet.
Meet Logan Close!
She’s a senior majoring in rehabilitation human services and psychology from Bethlehem, PA. This year, Logan is dancing in Penn State’s THON for her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. As a dancer, Logan will be on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center for the entire 46 hours of the no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. Logan’s worked on raising money for THON through her sorority for four years with extreme dedication and enthusiasm, and had always dreamed of dancing on behalf of the Kappa Alpha Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha team. Her dream will finally come true on Feb. 16, as she dances through the weekend to raise awareness and funds in the hopes of beating childhood cancer.
We talked to Logan to get some background on her passion for THON, and how she’s preparing to dance for the full 46 hours. Her excitement and devotion to this cause are clear, and her energy will undoubtedly inspire those attending THON through the weekend of Feb. 16-18 to dance along with her.
Her Campus: What inspires you most about THON?
Logan Close: What inspires me the most about THON is how it is the LARGEST, STUDENT-RUN philanthropy in the world. This just goes to show just how passionate the Penn State community is about THON and how with passion can come great success. THON is truly an amazing example of what it means to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself. Every single year I am even more inspired than the last when I look around me in the BJC and know we are one step closer to finding a cure and dancing in celebration.
HC: What is your best memory from THON?
LC: My best and favorite memory of THON was during the late hours of my very first THON freshman year. I remember being in the stands with only ten other girls in my organization and holding down our section with the limited energy we had left in us. I remember feeling so tired, feet were throbbing, and looking down at our dancers below us looking like they needed motivation to keep going. I remember “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine” blasting and knowing in that moment I was not doing this for myself. All of a sudden I no longer felt pain in my feet but instead I felt a wave of energy because of how grateful I felt in that moment. I felt grateful to be able to be a part of something so magical and to be able to support my dancers and the THON families with my (awful) dance moves and (even more awful) singing and sure enough that combination alone was enough to have our dancers up and absolutely killing it once again!
HC: What do you think will be the most motivational to help keep you on your feet when you dance?
LC: I think what will motivate me the most is the THON families on the floor and being surrounded by people who all share the same passion as me. Although everyone has a different reason for why they THON, we all share the same goal, which is working towards one day finding a cure. I also know my family and friends will keep me motivated with their unconditional support they have offered me leading up to THON weekend and I know they will give me during all 46 hours. The last thing I know will keep me motivated is how much effort, time, and passion I have put into THON the last 4 years. I have given everything I have to THON and to Theta and there is no better way to see my hard work pay off than to represent my sorority on the floor for all 46 hours!!
HC: How have you been preparing? Have you been given any good advice from previous dancers that has inspired you or helped you prepare?
LC: I have been given SO much advice from previous dancers! I reach out to our dancers from previous years probably once a week with millions of questions! I think they know better than anyone what THON weekend entails from the low points to the high points and how to handle everything in between. I have been told how to prepare which has been a tough aspect for me. Cutting out caffeine has probably been what I have struggled with the most. A Starbucks trip (or 3) is part of my daily routine but previous dancers have stressed how important it is to get rid of that habit before THON weekend. I am still working every day to fight that urge… I even deleted the app! I have also been told to get good sleep, eat a balanced diet, cut out any alcohol and go to the gym. I have been trying my best to abide my these rules as best as I can but having just turned 21 and being a senior and having my friends forget I literally will be standing for 46 hours in just two weeks can give you an idea of how hard cutting out some of those factors has been!
HC: Is there a previous THON dancer that made you want to dance as well?
LC: Yes, Courtney Caulfield. Courtney was a senior in Theta when I was a freshman. Courtney also happened to be dating my older brother who also was a senior at Penn State so I was very close to her. But more importantly, Courtney was dancing for her brother who had Philly chromosome Leukemia when he was very little. Courtney’s passion for THON and her love for her brother is something I don’t think I could ever put into words. But when I can tell you is that Courtney was and still is one of the reasons why I have wanted to dance and why THON is so near and dear to my heart. Four years later, I have become closer than ever to Court and to her family. I have heard their stories about everything they went through. I have heard and seen just how much of an impact cancer can have on a family. I have met her brother, who now celebrates over 10 years cancer free. Courtney is the older sister I always wanted and she has given me so many reasons why I THON and given me such drive to make a difference in the lives of those who have been impacted by cancer.
HC: Will your family be coming for THON weekend to see you dance?
LC: Yes! Both of my parents, my two older brothers, and their girlfriends will be traveling to Penn State for THON weekend. Both my parents went to Penn State but have not been to a THON since they attended PSU and at that time THON was being held in the White building! I am so excited for them to experience this weekend with me and get a glimpse into why THON means the world to me.
HC: What advice have you been leaning on as motivation to stand the entire weekend?
LC: I have been leaning on the advice that it is “90% mental and 10% physical”. I played sports my whole life and that quote is something I remember coaches telling me, and something I would tell myself when I was going through a tough practice or just not feeling it when running on the treadmill. I have been told this applies so much to THON weekend because even when you feel like you have nothing else left in you and that you are physically just exhausted, if you keep your mind positive, you can push through anything. I have always considered myself someone who is mentally tough so I am motivated knowing that when my body tells me it can’t stand anymore that my mind will take over and allow me to remember why I am dancing!
HC: Who will you be thinking about during THON weekend while you dance?
LC: I will be thinking about every single person I know and those I don’t personally know who have been effected by this terrible disease. I will be thinking about all the students who have danced before me and those who will dance for years to come after me because we all have and will play a part in finding a cure. Lastly, I will be thinking about my grandmom who passed away a little over a year ago because I know she will be so proud looking down on me and will give me the strength to keep going during my weakest moments.
HC: What will you tell yourself when you begin to get tired?
LC: I will tell myself that I am so lucky to be able to be on this floor and dancing in THON. I will think about all the children who are tired from treatments. I will think about the children who are tired from missing days of school because of hospital visits. I will think about the parents who are tired of losing sleep over worrying about their children’s health. I will tell myself that it is okay to feel tired but it is not okay to ever think about giving up!
HC: What would you tell your friends, family and supporters about how they can help you get through?
LC: I would tell them to just keep dancing, smiling, being goofy, and encouraging me to keep going! I am so excited to have each and every one of my family members, friends, org members, etc. at THON with me. Whether they are in the stands or on the floor, just being there is going to mean more than they could ever imagine. I am so thankful to have so many people who want to support me and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity of dancing for all 46 hours with me!