"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a typical question most kids answer when they're progressing through school. But, how do kids answer when they know they aren't guaranteed a future?
The words "you have cancer," or, "your child has cancer," are possibly one of the scariest things you can hear. After hearing those words, it's even more alarming to learn that only 4% of federal cancer research funding is given to pediatric cancer research, even though 40,000 children need treatment annually.
When I came to Villanova, I had no idea what NOVAdance was. I didn't know it started in 2015 to broadcast the B+ message. I didn't know the B+ Foundation was started in honor of Andrew McDonough, who passed away in 2007 after battling Leukemia for a little under 6 months. I didn't know that, in its first year, NOVAdance raised $102,657.29 for the B+ Foundation.
What I do know is that NOVAdance spreads awareness about pediatric cancer to the Villanova community and beyond. What I do know is that hundreds of Villanovans take the time out of their lives to raise money for NOVAdance. What I do Know is that NOVAdance has embraced the B+ slogan and truly made it a positive experience on campus for all participants. What I do know is that NOVAdance makes a difference, For The Kids.
12 hours. That's what it all comes down to. 12 hours, thousands of students, and the chance to show the kids and their families that they are not alone. NOVAdance brings together the Villanova community by showing us that there are more important things than your daily routine. In college, it's easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that there's a real world with real problems happening all around us. It's easy for the pressures of schoolwork, internships, jobs, family, friends and every single extra curricular in existence to keep us from remembering the "real world" problems. Events like NOVAdance make us aware again in a fun, positive, effective way.
NOVAdance isn't a dance in the typical sense. You can dance as much or as little as you want. If 12 hours of dancing doesn't sound like your style, there are plenty of other activities for you to do. There will be videos, booths and games for all to enjoy. It's important to unlock that inner kid in yourself again and let yourself soak in all of the positive energy that NOVAdance brings to campus.
For The Kids is more than just a slogan. For The Kids means that you are there for the thousands of children who have to go through treatment for pediatric cancer each year. For The Kids means you are there for the families and friends who are also affected by pediatric cancer. For The Kids means that you care.
So, go out. Be positive. Be For The Kids. On Saturday, March 25 from 10am-10pm in the Jake Nevin Field House, go support and show everyone what being a Villanovan is all about.
