Springfield HS mini-THON takes on new meaning

SPRINGFIELD >> Springfield High School’s 15-hour mini-THON, benefiting pediatric cancer patients financially and funds pediatric research, will mark 15 years when the 2017 event is held March 31-April 1. The Steve Stefani Dance Marathon has raised over $1.6 million for Four Diamonds at Hershey Medical Center during that time.

Modeled after Penn State University’s THON, SSDM is one of the largest miniTHON’s in Pennsylvania. For 15 hours every year, hundreds of Springfield High School students stand on their feet, without sleeping, and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer funding and research. SSDM is held in honor of former SHS teacher, Steve Stefani. Before passing away from cancer in 2002, Mr. Stefani battled with cancer with courage, one of the diamonds represented in the Four Diamonds.

With sixteen dedicated students juniors and seniors working under her, overall chairperson of the 2017 SSDM and senior at SHS Emily Barber has come to understand, “SSDM means community.” Nothing provides her with more hope and love than seeing a group of teenagers coming together for one cause that has somehow touched nearly everyone surrounding the event. With the most recent diagnosis of SHS student Michael Komar, Emily hopes to provide hope for all of the people effected, specifically the Komar family. “I hope that we can show them how much we wish to support them, and that our pursuit for a cure is inspired by kids just like him,” said Emily.

With so much effort and work going into this event each year, this year was different for Hospitality Head and junior at SHS, Camryn Shea. “He is a constant reminder to never give up and he is a great encouragement for others who participate in this event,” she said. “Mike’s fight shows how cancer is directly effecting our classmates and I will be forever dancing for him.” With each new diagnosis that hits SHS, the students come back stronger.

Michael Komar was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma when he was 11-yearsold, a type of brain cancer that is most common in children. After several chemo treatments and surgeries, Michael went into remission for almost two years. At age 16, the Medulloblastoma came back stronger. Michael is currently in Boston seeking out new medical treatments with his parents who have dropped everything to help their son get better.

With Michael in mind, the hundreds of SHS students will come together to support one of their friends. With Michael’s family in mind, the students of SSDM and SHS are calling on the community to come together and support the Komar family and families like them. After being hit with so many diagnoses in the Springfield-Morton community, it is imperative that the students and community focus on the immeasurable impact they have, rather than only the monetary value.