By: Hayden Whirley

Terp Thon, University of Maryland’s largest student-run philanthropy, raised $275,718 to support Children’s National Hospital during their 15th annual 12 hour dance marathon on March 9.

The Armory filled with bright colors, music and dancing as students and families all united for one cause. Individuals, campus Greek Chapters and student organizations created teams to participate in dancing and raising money. 

“We dance for 12 hours in support of a nurse who works a 12 hour shift,” said Terp Thon Communications Director and senior Lily Hagopian. 

Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a student-led program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the University of Maryland’s dance marathon directly supports the local Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Multiple “Miracle Kids,” current or past patients at Children’s National whose families serve as hospital ambassadors, attended with their families to enjoy the festivities. 

The dance marathon included themed hours such as boy band hour, Taylor Swift hour and a game show hour including a pretzel-eating contest and Terp Thon Jeopardy. 

Students volunteered to participate in “Dare to Cut Your Hair” where they got their hair cut on stage to be donated for the creation of wigs. This program was created in solidarity with children diagnosed with cancer, as cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children in America.

The university’s football team came to show support, with performances by the Maryland Dance Team and other campus dance groups, including Ballet Company M.

“Performing at Terp Thon definitely made me more aware of the need to support those who are impacted by childhood illness,” said sophomore Maryland Dance Team member and Kinesiology major Anna Simpson, “I remember seeing how excited everyone in attendance was that the Maryland Dance Team was performing.”

Terp Thon was founded in 2009 by Matt Young and over the last 15 years, the philanthropy has raised over $6.3 million for Children’s National. This supports every area of the hospital providing care for all children regardless of their family’s ability to pay for their treatment. 

“We spend the year raising awareness but also raising funds to ensure that no child has to fight pediatric illness alone,” said Hagopian.

The money raised at this event also goes towards pediatric clinical research and technologies available in the hospital such as night vision goggles used by flight nurses, according to Emma Kolsky, Terp Thon’s Hospital Advisor.

“Terp Thon means change,” said Kolsky. “It’s young leaders who are impacting lifetimes because that’s what happens when we help kids. We’re really changing lives, saving lifetimes.”

Featured Image: Terp Thon’s Morale Committee teaches and leads dances for Terp Thon attendees. Photo taken by Hayden Whirley.