Terpthon Raises Over $306,000 For Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Whiskey_Ginger12 years ago

Last Saturday, the University of Maryland held their 4th annual Terpthon. Greeks showed up in force for the event, which was livestreamed on Terpthon’s website. Notably, Sigma Nu and Delta Phi Epsilon raised over $34,000 for their teams, and Alpha Epsilon Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi weren’t far behind with just over $31,000 raised.

The event itself was great, with a huge number of students spending 12 hours on their feet to show solidarity with the kids who were coming up and telling their stories throughout the day. Ultimately, they didn’t make the goal of a 20% increase in funds raised (only by about $14,000), but they managed to be one of the top 10 fund raising dance marathons this year.

From The Diamondback:

About 88 percent of children with cancer are treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, though the dance marathon proceeds go toward a variety of hospital units, research and other areas of need. Even the smaller donations, such as new flat-screen televisions for clinic waiting rooms, can make a difference, said Dr. Sally Evans, the Washington hospital’s chief of pediatric rehabilitation medicine.

“It seems to me my patients are a little happier having something to do,” said Evans, who treated or knew many children who shared their stories at the event.

For Alexander and Tess Theodorakos, 9-year-old twins who were diagnosed with cerebral palsy, simple donations such as new toys made the hospital more cheerful.

“The money doesn’t always go to the really expensive medical equipment stuff,” Alexander said. “It also goes toward the toys for therapy. Like for example, there were beanbag frogs that were missing eyes and somebody drawed their eyes on with a Sharpie. And with the money raised, they were able to replace the frogs, and these beanbag frogs actually had eyes.”

So, other than raising money for actual treatment, these events help make the whole experience less terrifying. I can’t imagine what it’s like for these kids with horrifying afflictions, so it’s good to hear the money doesn’t just go to the treatments, but also to make the world a bit less dark and a bit more hopeful for them.

[via TerpThon, The Diamondback]