Noah is a senior at NASH and in his second year writing for The Uproar. He has major interests in: Baseball, Golf, Pickleball, and College Basketball. In college, he hopes to work in media and writing related to athletics. He is also a diehard Seattle Mariners fan.
Every May, hundreds of NA students gather with the same goal: to raise awareness and money for children who are fighting the battle against cancer. This Saturday, May 10th, TigerThon will celebrate its 10-year anniversary.
“Our goal is to help children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer,” NASH senior and TigerThon Co-Captain Liam Flaherty said.
Flaherty hopes that the NA community will get involved in the local event this Saturday at NASH.
“TigerThon brings our school together for an incredible cause,” he said. “It gives us a platform to make a real difference in the lives of kids battling pediatric cancer while also creating unforgettable memories.”
The event, which will begin at 6:00pm in the NASH gym and cafeteria, features dancing, games, food, and more.
“Whether you’re dancing at the event, fundraising, or spreading awareness, every role matters,” Flaherty added.
TigerThon started as a student-run initiative, but in recent years it has gained momentum, getting support from faculty, local businesses, and families. It has become one of the school’s most significant charitable efforts.
“We do it for the kids and families who cannot or do not have time to do it for themselves,” NASH senior and TigerThon Co-Captain Anna Bridges said. “Giving them an extra boost during their hardest battles is truly the greatest reward in life.”
Over the course of the year, TigerThon has hosted various fundraisers, including bake sales, restaurant nights, and community events. But the main event — a four-hour dance marathon where students stay on their feet in solidarity with children who are fighting cancer — takes place this Saturday.
Last year, TigerThon raised a staggering $30,378. This year, TigerThon has partnered with Chipotle, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Panera as well as receiving donations from Perkins Dental Associates and other local businesses. The final collection total for this year’s drive will be revealed on Saturday night.
NASH math teachers Mrs. Manesiotis and Mrs. Volpe are spearheading this year’s TigerThon.
“Children’s Hospital gives us a sponsor-child each year,” Volpe said. “Usually, these children are from other areas of Allegheny County. This year, we have one of our own students, Porter Harmon, from Franklin Elementary, coming out to dance with us. Thankfully, Porter is doing very well.”
For Flaherty and his fellow co-captains, Saturday night’s event will be the culmination of a year’s worth of planning.
“We have had the opportunity to work closely with families, which has proved to be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding,” he said.