Ohio State students prepare for BuckeyeThon

The words “join the movement” are very familiar to many Ohio State University students. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to join BuckeyeThon’s movement to spread awareness and raise money to help support the fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders. 

BuckeyeThon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Ohio, raising funds and awareness for the hematology, oncology & blood and marrow transplant unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The annual dance marathon raised $1,025,821.46 in 2021 and over $13 million in total over the past 21 years.

The dance marathon returns to Ohio Union with the party starting Friday afternoon and concluding on Saturday. There are several activities planned for students, like silent disco, rave hour and putt-putt, along with fundraising milestones announced during the dance marathon.

Behind the BuckeyeThon movement exists a team of students who spend hours working to not only raise money for this cause but also plan events to help get even more students connected.

Two of those students are Jillian Tishko, an executive team captain for BuckeyeThon, and Shrishti Shrivastava, the current president of BuckeyeThon. Both are fourth-year students who have been involved with BuckeyeThon throughout their time at Ohio State. 

Shrivastava was inspired to join BuckeyeThon her first year at Ohio State when someone told her that there were children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital fighting 365 days of the year and “we should be, too.” It was that small note that helped her realize the true impact and extent of what BuckeyeThon really did.

When Tishko came to Ohio State as a transfer student, she said she kept hearing about “BuckeyeThon,” and joined the student organization because it matched her passions. Three years later, Tishko is still involved because she said she always believes in the mission and loves the opportunity to help other team captains become connected to the cause. 

“Being able to meet with the children fighting cancer, along with the doctors and staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, has affirmed my decision to want to go into a career that is passionate about community and local engagement,” Shrivastava said.

Both Shrivastava and Tishko said they are excited for this year’s dance marathon and encourage new students to get involved in the cause.

“If you want to be a part of something life-changing, you should join BuckeyeThon,” Tishko said.