Terp Thon Raises $1 Million, Becomes 9th Largest Dance Marathon

Congratulations to the students of the University of Maryland, who raised a record $1,001,394 for Children’s National through at their eighth annual Terp Thon on Saturday, March 4. This 38 percent increase over last year earned the UMD student organization the honor of being the fastest Miracle Network Dance Marathon program in the country to eclipse $1 million. Terp Thon is now the ninth largest fundraising program among the 300 schools that host a dance marathon fundraiser for their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

“Much like we do at Children’s National, Terp Thon truly puts kids at the center of everything they do,” said Tracy Jones, senior associate director for Children’s Miracle Network at Children’s National. “Students at the University of Maryland have made it a priority to Do Good for their community, and we are grateful that they have chosen our patients and families at Children’s National to benefit from their tireless efforts. Every single child who comes through our doors will feel the impact of this incredible fundraising accomplishment.”

Terp Thon’s dance marathon culminated its year-long effort of raising money and awareness for children's health. More than 1,500 students stayed on their feet from noon till midnight to represent the 12-hour shift of many nurses, doctors, and staff members at Children’s National. University President Dr. Wallace Loh attended the event, along with Dr. Kurt Newman, president and CEO of Children’s National.

Throughout the year, Terp Thon had the support of more than 3,000 students, another record, along with many university departments, corporate partners, and community supporters. "It was really incredible to see the entire campus come out to support our cause," Kaiwei Hsu, executive director of Terp Thon, said. "The university itself gave incredible support this year.”

Perhaps most important was the support and attendance of 15 former Children’s National patients, known to the Terp Thon students as “Miracle Kids.” Throughout the day Saturday, Miracle Kids took the stage to share their story and inspire the students packed into UMD’s Reckord Armory. When Miracle Kid Jaiwen Hsu, a cancer survivor and high school senior, took the stage, he announced that he would be attending the University of Maryland in the fall. He then challenged the participants to raise $55 for the 5 ½ years that he’s been cancer-free. The students raised more than $164,000 during Saturday's event.

Terp Thon truly exemplifies the Dance Marathon program’s motto of “this generation fighting for the next.” We are incredibly grateful for their efforts. Thank you!