On Saturday, members of the Quinnipiac University community spent the day with children from the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and their families, at the annual QTHON dance marathon in the Recreation and Wellness Center. After six hours of dancing, games and performances, the event raised $180,063.41 in donations, almost $40,000 more than in 2024.
The student-run philanthropy organization raises money and awareness for the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, the onlyhealth system in the state focusing exclusively on treating children despite their financial situation.
This year, the management team made up of 19 students was led by junior occupational therapy major, Sarah Springer.
“I am incredibly grateful for this experience and opportunity, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Springer wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “The memories I’ve made, the miracles we’ve created, and the progress toward changing kids’ health have been a dream come true, and I cherish every moment.”
Springer initially became involved as a first-year student, attending the event with her sorority. After feeling connected to the cause and inspired, she became the Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Chair the following year.
“Beinga part of QTHON has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences of my life,” Springer wrote. “It is more than just planning events or raising money, it’s about standing alongside patients and families, letting them know they are never alone.”
The management team held several different events throughout the year leading up to the dance marathon. The events include QTHON Cares, a mental health event for students, Ignite Your Flame, Battle of the Orgs and Minutes for Miracles, which is a minute-to-win-it style event on Day of Miracles.
Nearly 1,300 participants signed up and spent the day with nine miracle children, who are patients from Connecticut Children’s. Various clubs and Greek life organizations hosted a miracle child, as well as nine miracle siblings.
Junior nursing major, Alexa Daleo led her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta during the event as the team captain. After raising significant funds, the sorority was honored to spend the day with Spencer, one of the miracle children, along with his family.
“I ran around with him all day and then I got the privilege to spend time with both of his siblings,” Daleo said. “People in my sorority helped out with making it an amazing day for them and it was awesome.”
From the opening ceremony to the reveal of total funds raised, several events took place throughout the day. Every hour, the management team, morale dancers and any other participants performed a 10-minute-long morale dance to celebrate the miracle children and to boost energy among participants.
Other events included performances from Dance Fusion, Tap Company, Dance Company and the IceCats’, “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?,” a dance competition, talent show and the very first Mr. Quinnipiac, a competition between some of the male QTHON participants. Along with the various events, there was a bounce house, silent disco, vendors, a photo booth, food and more.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” Julia Rossignol, sophomore accounting major and member of the volunteer committee said. “I really wanted to be a part of really helping to make a difference and making sure that this event went well and it’s just been spectacular.”
Before the final reveal everyone in attendance gathered for the Circle of Hope, and everyone reflected on their personal “WHY.” Both miracle children and members of the management team cut off hospital bands that each participant was given during check-in.
“It is a powerful reminder that, at the end of tonight, we can go home without fear—but thousands of patients at Connecticut Children’s do not have that same choice,” Springer wrote. “This moment represents our hope for a future where no child has to endure a hospital stay. I truly urge everyone to stay to the end to experience this special and emotional moment, followed by our fundraising reveal.”
Following the Circle of Hope, the management team and families shared tear-filled hugs during the emotional moment.
“Being a part of QTHON has not only changed my perspective, it has truly changed my heart and inspired me in more ways than I could have ever imagined,” Springer wrote.
