Terp Thon @ UMD

Meeting Jaiwen!

Terp Thon & Friends got to meet Jaiwen at the end of the semester. He is the newest miracle child addition to the Terp Thon family. He was diagnosed with bone cancer when he was twelve and has a part-prosthetic femur bone, with a 10 inch scar as proof. He had to learn how to walk all over again. He and his family came to talk at College Park to tell Jaiwen’s story. His mother was brought to tears. Jaiwen was one of the lucky ones—he survived. He has friends who are still in the hospital and don’t get to walk into school every day. Jaiwen was blessed with amazing friends along the process. Five of his best friends were able to raise $26,000 for his treatment. That was five 12 year olds. If these kids can raise $26,000, imagine was the entire Maryland community can do? Jaiwen’s maturity was outstanding, and he has a more worldly perspective than most of us ever will. His story reminded us to be thankful for all we have over this holiday season, because not all children will be home celebrating the holidays with their families. And as Maryland students, we were reminded that in reality, finals aren’t that bad compared to what so many have to go through. In this holiday season, let’s be thankful for our friends, family, health, and having the Maryland community to support us every day.

Terp Thon is…

University of Maryland’s 12 hour dance marathon,

The biggest dance party you’ve ever been to,

The best 12 hours of your life,

A miracle maker.

A place where everything is FOR THE KIDS.

In love with Children’s National Medical Center.

A way of living,

An obsession.

A place for laughter, tears, friends, and family.

The best 2^nd and 3^rd year dance marathon program…

…After only its 2^nd year!

The best thing UMD has to offer,

One of the largest student organizations on campus.

Going to be the best dance marathon program, ever.

The most inspirational night of your life.

Magical.

A time to meet the kids you directly help,

And the place to fall in love with these kids even more.

Where you will stand for those who can’t,

And where you will stand as a nurse does on a 12 hour shift.

The most accomplishing thing you will do all year.

Going to be in Cole Field House on March 10, 2012.

Everything you’ve ever dreamed of,

And more.