“Why do you NOVAdance?” is a question the hundreds of NOVAdance participants are no stranger to being asked. Why do you commit to dance for a full 12 hours? Why do you attend multiple meetings each week? Why do you continue to show up every day committed to the cause?
This week, students will be engaging in NOVAdance’s “Week of Why,” a week packed with events to spread awareness and connect with the reasons behind their hard work. This year’s “Week of Why” features a lantern send-off, friendship bracelet-making, B+ Hero talks and a pop-up flower stand.
Whether one is a general participant or on the executive board of NOVAdance Committee, everyone has their own unique “Why.” As students approach a culmination of their yearlong efforts in a 12-hour dance marathon on the day-of, many are reflecting on their “Why NOVAdance” now more than ever.
For current sophomore and Engagement Coordinator Emma Maguire, her why extends to all those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
“My reason is that I dance for the families,” Maguire said. “I know how much cancer doesn’t just affect the person who’s sick but the people around them. This money cannot just be life changing for the kid, but also the people who love them.”
The Engagement Coordinators are a group of students across grade levels who wanted to get more involved with the planning and preparation of NOVAdance. This year, these events have included “EC Notes for NOVAdance” along with a St. Patrick’s Day event.
Sidekicks are a freshman-only department on NOVAdance that assists in planning events and several fundraisers. Notably, the Sidekicks just completed their second annual jogathon, in which freshman members pledged to run a certain amount of laps around the University campus for donations.
Freshman Grace LaFond is a current Sidekick. She voiced her immense excitement for her first day-of, and the close-to-home reasoning for her dedication to NOVAdance.
“My ‘Why NOVAdance’ is for my cousin Lexi who had pediatric cancer,” LaFond said. “I NOVAdance so I can provide families relief from the financial and emotional stress of taking care of a sick child. I also want to help fund a cure so that no child has to experience pediatric cancer.”
The Awareness Team of NOVAdance has spent the past few months preparing for the “Week of Why.” The team has planned and promoted a variety of events to spread awareness on campus, one of which included decorating the campus in student’s “Whys,” as well as a gold-ribbon fundraiser in support of pediatric cancer.
For media team member Ellie Buchanan on NOVAdance Committee, her “Why” is centered around not letting any kid fight alone. This purpose hits close to home, and is the reason for her clear dedication to the cause.
“I NOVAdance so no one fights alone,” Buchanan said. “Even the smallest gestures can make a world of difference to someone battling cancer.”
Buchanan shared that her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer during her freshman year at Villanova.
“I felt helpless from 2,081 miles away, not even able to give him a hug,” Buchanan said.
Buchanan’s best friend visited home for a weekend during this time, and she gave Buchanan’s dad a hug for her. This made a world of difference for him.
“I NOVAdance so everyone battling can receive these gestures, no matter how big, to feel loved and supported in their fight,” Buchanan said.
Regardless of grade level or position in NOVAdance, students are encouraged to attend “Week of Why” events happening on campus this week, as well as to reflect on their own “Whys” as the dance marathon draws closer.
