Hi! My name is Lily Esteghamati, and I am so excited to be joining the OttoTHON 2021 Executive Board as the Special Events Chair. I help put on the many special events throughout the year.

 In this organization, we are always posed with the question of "why." Why do we do what we do? Today I wanted to share my "why" with you. I dance to provide for families and to lift someone else's burden. I dance because it is bigger than just me and because of families and their unbelievable courage. I dance for so many reasons and could list hundreds of reasons "why," but I have one in particular that stands out. I dance for my brother. My brother was born with a congenital birth defect that caused him to spend part of his childhood in the hospital with a constant back and forth for years to follow. Something as simple as a common cold or a small cough has a greater effect on him than me. He is what motivated me to join OttoTHON and continue to fight for the many kids that cant.

 It's not what we do but why we do it. We take part in OttoTHON by dancing and playing games. Those are the things we do for our why. We continue to take part in this organization for the kids at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. I do it for the feeling. It is nearly impossible to explain, but it comes from all that OttoTHON has to offer. This feeling is not linked to one specific thing but rather to all things OttoTHON.

 You don't need a significant "why" to be a part of OttoTHON. Surrounding yourself with a group of open hearts and minds can truly be an amazing thing. Having the opportunity to see and listen to the miracle kids and their families' stories puts a whole new perspective on how you live your own life. We all have the same purpose.

 I encourage you to think of your "why," big or small. No matter your "why" you are impacting the lives of so many. Your "why" is different from everyone else and grows and changes with you. For me, my "why" is personal but also for so many other reasons that are not. Each time I dance, I can feel my why growing and expanding even more.