My name is Hayley McCormick and I am the Internal and Operations Chair for OttoTHON 2020. When I came to Syracuse University, I didn’t know anything about OttoTHON or dance marathons in general. As a freshman I wanted to join numerous organizations on campus, so I signed up to be a dancer. Despite my original lack of knowledge about OttoTHON, I immediately fell in love with the idea of learning about different communities and clubs on campus. I chose to be a part of the OttoTHON community because of its direct impact on the children and families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Joining OttoTHON my freshman year was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at Syracuse University. 

Being one of the first organizations I got involved with, OttoTHON gave me the opportunity to meet amazing new people and connect to a group of individuals who have continued to support so many children and families in the Central New York Area. Unlike other colligate dance marathon’s, our organization is fortunate enough to be located down the street from our Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Since the hospital is so close, our team is able to attend hospital tours, where we can learn about how children are treated and how our fundraising can impact their lives. During the event, all of the dancers get to perform the morale dance in front of the hospital for all the children and families to see. Not only is this moment extremely rewarding for both the dancers and kids, but it is one that most dance marathon participants do not get to experience.

For the Fall 2020 event, I have the privilege of being a member on the Executive Board and contributing to more of the creation of the event. Since I have stepped into a larger role, I have become more appreciative and passionate to the organization and its mission. As the Internal Events and Operations chair, I am tasked with the overall execution of the event space. From the space layout to decorations, entertainment, and theme construction my committee and I work to make sure our event will be amazing for both our dancers and miracle families. I truly never imagined being at the level of my current involvement within the organization when I first joined as an unknowing freshman, but I am so happy that I continued to push myself to do more for the kids at Upstate Golisano. I encourage everyone, whether you are new to campus or an upper classman, to get involved with organizations that you are passionate about, OttoTHON was that organization for me.