Naz-A-Thon started in 2014 when a few friends of mine and faculty members were determined to start our very own high school dance marathon. Although there were not many of us and we had very little time, we managed to raise over $20,000 our first year when our goal was just $5,000. All of the proceeds went to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where I was treated for papillary thyroid cancer before entering Nazareth Academy as a freshman. Cancer is never easy to deal with, especially when you are young; I was only 13 years old when diagnosed. I was extremely fortunate however in that I was able to undergo my surgery and all my treatments at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The love and support that I felt from every single nurse and doctor there was incredible. I am so happy that with the help of friends, family, and the faculty of Nazareth Academy we were able to give back to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, helping several children in their fights against cancer. It amazes me to see how much Naz-A-Thon has grown since its first year in 2014. The girls of Nazareth Academy continue to not only raise more money each year but to raise awareness for all those in their fights against cancer. Community is something that is and has always been important to each and every Nazareth girl. It is easy to see the strong sense of community within Nazareth through the continued growth of Naz-A-Thon as the years go by. Each and every girl comes together to be apart of something bigger than themselves. Words cannot even express how grateful I am to have been apart of the first Naz-A-Thon and I look forward to the great things I know will come in the future for all those who are fighting, thanks to several dance marathons like Naz-A-Thon!!

 

 

-       Jacki Dollard, ‘16