This summer, I had the urge to write one of those “why wait” testimonials. I think this is a great idea, but the concept doesn’t really follow my thought process. I think asking myself "why not?" is how I approach new opportunities. What is preventing me from doing something to better myself or helping other people better themselves? That was the thought process that led me to register as a dancer for Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM) at the beginning of my sophomore year.

I asked myself “why not?” and I encourage you to as well, but not just yet. First, I want to share the story of my first Dance Marathon. I’m sure everybody talks about how much the marathon impacted them and I’m not going be much different, but what I took away from the marathon is still with me, figuratively and literally.

It all started as a simple idea that my friend C.J. and I had. There was a younger girl hanging out with some other kids in the Co-Rec lobby where C.J. and I were standing. This young girl appeared to have Down syndrome but that didn’t discourage her from wearing one of the most sincere smiles I’ve seen to this day. She was dressed as a princess with a dress, crown and slippers, complete with a magic wand, and called herself "The Fairy Godmother."

I turned to C.J. and said, "I have an idea."

We found some paper, ripped a piece in two, grabbed some pens and walked over to get The Fairy Godmother's autograph.

“Excuse me, miss, do you happen to be a princess?”

Her face lit up as she replied, “Yes, yes in fact I am a princess. I'm The Fairy Godmother.”

“Well since you’re a princess, can we please have your autograph?”

We were tired, our feet hurt, and we didn't know if we could pull through, but seeing her excitement as she signed her name on our slips of paper is what drove my friend C.J. and I to stick it out for the full 18 hours.

For those who have never been to a Dance Marathon, there are several families from Riley Hospital that get up on stage in front of about 2,000 people and share their story. Sometimes the parents tell it, sometimes the kids do, but usually they get up on stage, tell their story, and then return to the sidelines to watch the rest of us partake in the marathon. We wanted to change that.

For the rest of the 18-hour marathon, after every single family made their way from the stage, C.J. and I would catch them and ask the girls if they were princesses and ask the boys if they were kings.

There is a feeling that came over us that I wish I could somehow share with you through the keyboard, but it's an experience you have to put yourself out there to feel. Hearing the incredible stories that these families and these kids went through is touching and powerful enough, but the real moving part was being able to spend time with them, give them high-fives, and experience their joy first hand. There is something truly special about seeing a smile and laughter come over the face of a child that, statistically, shouldn't be there at all. Nobody loves life more than someone who has almost lost it.

Throughout the rest of the marathon, C.J. and I collected over 15 autographs, and as much as their stories impacted us, we could tell that we have impacted the families too. I hung up that sheet of paper in my armoire at school and it stayed there all year. When it came time to move out, I packed it with the rest of my things and it is currently sitting right next to my desk where I can see it every day.

At the time, I didn’t quite realize how big the impact we had on the families would be. Enjoying the simple things is what life is all about. Watching those kids’ smiles and the eyes of the parents begin to water at their son or daughter signing an autograph is something I hope you can experience at this year's Marathon, if not at some point in your future.

The more I thought about it, the more this phrase stuck out in my head. “Don’t be a spectator, be a participant.” C.J. and I participated by talking with the kids and, lets face it, that’s the whole reason we were there. That’s the reason Riley Hospital for Children is here. The reason there is a PUDM, is for the kids.

So why not? Why not be the reason a child smiles? Why not help a family gain hope for the future? That's the question I always asked myself, and I got my answer. The truth was that I didn’t have an answer. I didn’t have a reason not to inspire other people. I didn’t have a reason not to make people laugh.

Now, when you read an article like this there will often be an immediate link to a donations page. I don’t want to do that. I want you to donate, but I don’t want you to donate your money. I want you to donate your time. Your time doesn't have a price tag on it. Whether it is deciding to join the Dance Marathon, taking a tour of Riley Hospital, or simply learning more about Riley and sharing it with people, the time you spend for the kids will be the best and most rewarding way you can spend it. Your time is what is most valuable to you, and donating that precious gift to this cause will impact your life more than any amount of money could.

For the kids, always.