One of the first things I did as a college freshman was join an organization called Terp Thon. Not only did I decide to enlist as a dancer at the 12-hour dance marathon, but also I applied to be a member of its planning team. A year and a half later, I am still so happy with the decision I made because it has definitely been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of my college experience so far. Terp Thon is one of the many Children’s Miracle Network Hospital dance marathons across the country raising money to support pediatric research and services. Terp Thon is a notable organization among the hundreds due to the fact that it is the youngest ever to raise over $1 million dollars For the Kids. Our event this year is only a few days away, so I figured this was the best opportunity to express why joining a Children’s Miracle Network dance marathon is an incredible experience

1. Miracle Kids

There are millions of children and families that are aided by these hospitals every year, but there are a select few kids that the marathons use as mascots — a team of young heroes to demonstrate to dancers and supporters just who we help when we dance. They are adorable and some of the happiest individuals you’ll ever meet, but the stories of their struggles will bring tears to your eyes.

2. Bonding Time!

Even if you don’t join the organization’s planning team on committees, a dance marathon is still the perfect way to bond with your other organizations or groups of friends. All you have to do is create a team for all of you to register under. The experience of fundraising together for a common goal will be so much better when doing it alongside people you already love. Plus, you can even turn it into a competition between your friends or within your organization.

3. Hospital Improvements

Even the tiniest donation makes a huge impact at the hospitals for the families that need their support. In the end, all of the money donated will be used either to support families or improve the hospital. For example, Terp Thon's most recent fundraiser was a $50k in one day challenge in order to purchase a CT Scanner for Children's National Health System. The donations all go to an amazing place and seeing this impact is incredible.

4. Year-Round Events

The actual dance marathon is the final product of so much planning and fundraising, but that also means that there are so many fun events throughout the year leading up to the main event! Whether you spend your time canning or tabling to fundraise or participating in field days or mini marathons, you are bound to find something dance marathon related to spend your time participating in.

5. All of the Fun at the Marathon!

The best day of the year is dance marathon. The music, smiles and laughter never seem to stop. Everyone is on their feet bouncing around, even at hour eleven when it seems impossible to function any longer. The morale in the room is incredible because even though everyone just seems to be enjoying a party, they are really rallying around an inspirational and wonderful cause. It is a celebration of the feats of the Miracle Kids and the future of the hospital.

I plan on staying involved in my dance marathon for the rest of my college career, as it has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. I've shed tears over raising over $1 million dollars with the rest of my organization. I've broken down realizing that so many families are being helped because of our efforts. This organization has helped me become so much more than a drop in the ocean of a huge student population, but a part of a wave crashing down and making a difference for good.