NOVAdance has become one of Villanova University’s most cherished traditions. Each year the community comes together to celebrate and support the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. This year, the dance marathon will be on Saturday, March 28, and throughout the week leading up to it, NOVAdance will celebrate the “Week of Why.”
“[The week of why] is a way everyone can re-center themselves, and really indulge in their own ‘why’,” sophomore and NOVAdance Awareness Committee member Paige Derwin said.
With activities, events and celebrations taking place throughout the week, the student body has the chance to celebrate and appreciate the B+ Foundation. The organization was founded in 2007 in honor of Andrew McDonough, who passed away due to complications with childhood cancer. Throughout his fight, however, Andrew wore a smile and began to champion a motto of “Be positive.” Today, the B+ Foundation aids other kids in their fights against childhood cancer.
“NOVAdance is not only about raising money for these kids and families that are going through so much, but also spreading that awareness to the general public,” Derwin said. “There are so many kids who are diagnosed with pediatric cancer every day, and also so many that unfortunately pass away from it, so it’s just important to spread the mission of NOVAdance.”
NOVAdance is now a major force in funding the fight against childhood cancer, raising over $700,000 in 2025 alone. The “Week of Why” helps members of NOVAdance and the general Villanova community be mindful while preparing for the dance.
“I think it’s a great way to let other students on campus who might not know much about NOVAdance learn what it’s about,” Derwin said.
Every day this week, NOVAdance has an event planned. The festivities begin on Sunday, March 22, with a pop-up flower shop in collaboration with Chi Omega’s hero, Julia. The rest of the week includes activities from lantern lighting to friendship bracelet making. Follow the NOVAdance team on Instagram (@nova_dance) or keep an eye on their website (https://www.novadance.org/) for more info.
“Overall, this whole week our goal is to just build excitement for the dance marathon but also just let everyone on campus know that NOVAdance is big, it’s important and it’s something that I think everyone should be involved with,” Derwin said.
NOVAdance is not just a day or a week. It’s an ongoing commitment to staying mindful and positive, just like the B+ heroes. If you get the chance, stop by one of the events, recenter and find your “why.” Whether you’ve been involved for years or are just discovering it now, NOVAdance welcomes every member of the Villanova community with open arms.
