Hello! My name is Ishpreet Devgan, and I am a fourth-year Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major, with minors in Human Anatomy and Global Public Health. I joined BuckeyeThon, Ohio State’s official student philanthropy, after learning that children today receive the same oncology treatments as in the 1960s. We need change now. 

BuckeyeThon works directly with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to fund research labs, social work services, and Child Life services for families navigating the darkest chapter of their lives. This entirely student-run initiative connects with students across campus to raise funds, celebrate the families we work with through the hospital, and grow a culture of philanthropy at Ohio State! But at its heart, BuckeyeThon is a community that uplifts and supports stories of pediatric cancer. Participating in BuckeyeThon, I have had the unique opportunity to connect with these stories personally. Meeting and working with our Champion Families, I’ve come to understand the importance of philanthropy in our communities and the desperate need for a cure. 

This year, I am fundraising in honor of two brave girls: Katelyn and Charley. Katelyn had just turned 10 years old last year when she lost her 5-year battle with neuroblastoma. Despite being in and out of the hospital, Katelyn brought light and joy to all those around her. In fact, she worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to allow therapy dogs on the oncology floor! I dance for her. Charley would’ve been a senior this year, just like me, in the nursing program at Ohio State. Unfortunately, her battle with acute myeloid leukemia came to an end last February, only a few weeks after our Dance Marathon. Charley was a driven, kind, and smart young woman. She wanted to grow up and help the people around her, just like me. I dance for her. These two brave girls remind me that I can do hard things and be strong. In all areas of my life, I carry their stories with me.

That said, this year, as part of the Homecoming Court, I am asking you to join this community and movement. Register for our Dance Marathon in February, donate to the cause, and meet the families at the heart of our cause. I hope you'll join me in supporting the kids at Nationwide Children's Hospital and helping us continue to make miracles for the kids!