Looking Back and Dreaming Forward

Another THON has come and gone, but THON 09 will always be remembered.  The final total raised for the Blue Diamonds Fund was $7,490,133.87, which is a new record.  The past weekend has been an incredible, awesome, and exhausting experience.  I had a lot of fun throughout the weekend as an OPP committee member, but I will always remember the energy of the last four hours of THON.  The Daily Collegian reported on a moment that occured during Family Hour that was one of my favorite moments of THON 09.  Family Hour occurs during the last 4 hours of THON when the Blue Diamond families are brought up to the stage and some of their stories are shared with the crowd.     
 

During Family Hour Sunday afternoon, Meredith Kirby said since she danced in Thon as a student, she had always wanted to experience it again.

"But I never in my wildest dreams imagined how we would come back to Thon," she said.

When Kirby danced in Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, she didn't think she could make it. Then, the father of a Four Diamonds child said to her, "See that boy over there? That's my son, and he wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you."

Now, Kirby's experience with Thon has come full circle. Her son was diagnosed with cancer and she returns to Thon as a Four Diamonds mom.

"See this boy? This is my son, Max. He wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for all of you," Kirby said.