Dozens of students and student-athletes from several athletic teams joined together at the Ithaca College fitness center for the first-ever BomberTHON, a six-hour dance marathon. The event raised money for children and families affected by childhood cancer, with all proceeds donated to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.
The event was organized by THON, a student-run philanthropy group whose goal is to provide support, both financially and emotionally, to families dealing with pediatric cancer, and to raise money for research to find a cure. Lee Folger ’21, a member of the men’s soccer team, served as the Chief Morale Captain for the event and helped put it together.
“To see the joy of that kind of event spread to people’s hearts is one of the most magical things I have ever been a part of,” he said.
Several athletic teams, including men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, football, and women’s crew raised money for the event. Together, they helped raise $28,393, more than double their original goal.
The event also featured an appearance by THON’s honorary Miracle Child, a 13-year-old cancer survivor. He received gifts from the baseball and men’s soccer teams and was invited to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming baseball game this spring.
“I think that BomberTHON represents a cause that Ithaca College can truly unite around,” said executive director Laura Heppes ’21. “It is such a great way to bring different organizations together to raise money and give them an awesome event to look forward to.”