Hometown: Wyckoff, NJ

Major: Economics

Minor: Communication and Counseling

I NOVAdance because no child should have to pause their life to fight for it. This cause is incredibly personal to me, and I’ve seen how quickly a diagnosis can change the life of a kid and everyone who loves them. It’s shown me how unfair it is that while other kids are thinking about school and friends, some are being asked to fight for their lives.

That perspective is something I carry with me in everything I do for NOVAdance, especially when I get to know our B+ Heroes and their families. They deserve the chance to just be kids and to know they have an entire community standing beside them through it all because nobody should feel like they’re facing this battle alone.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Aerospace Engineering

Hometown: Killingworth, CT

Why:

I NOVAdance so every hero gets the chance to experience the happiness and joy of childhood. Pediatric cancer can take away so many moments that should be filled with laughter, memories, and fun, and NOVAdance brings some of that happiness back into their lives. One of my favorite parts of NOVAdance are our hero parties and hero events. Seeing our heroes interact and bond with their hero liaisons and college friends will forever put the biggest smile on my face. Knowing that we can make such an impact on their life and childhood experiences is a priceless feeling. 

I NOVAdance to create memories for our heroes and their families, giving them a reason to smile when they may need it most. Being able to create a community where our heroes and their families feel supported, celebrated, and at home is a feeling that cannot be replaced.

Hometown: Long Island NY

Major: Political Science

Dylan’s Why:

Since freshman year, my lock screen has read, “I will live like Andrew by not becoming bad things. I will look at everything positively and never be unkind to anyone.” I found those words at my first NOVAdance and was inspired that a child battling cancer could still choose kindness and positivity. That message inspired me to join the NOVAdance committee almost three years ago.

Now, Living Like Andrew means carrying that message forward and making sure every kid gets to be a Hero and importantly that no Hero ever fights alone. Whether it’s showing up to a Hero party, attending Day Of, or making the trip to Juju’s Street Party, those moments mean the world to our Heroes, their families, and to me. In the moments when you feel most alone, you need a community behind you–and I can’t think of a better community than NOVAdance.

Hometown: Los Angeles CA

Major: Sociology

Minor: French

Hannah’s Why:

I NOVAdance so kids can be kids, and for the 46 kids who get diagnosed with pediatric cancer every school day. Being able to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, is one of life’s greatest privileges. Being able to play a small role in our 19 B+ Hero’s lives has allowed me to connect even more with my why.

My little sister was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a physical and cognitive disability, at a very young age. Watching my sister persevere and grow up to become the most vibrant human being has truly shaped my outlook on life. I will never underestimate the power of advocacy, and how much it can change one family's life. I NOVAdance for our 19 B+ heroes, and the 100s of families we have the privilege to help, but may never meet.

Hometown: Ridgefield CT

Majors: Criminology & Spanish

Minors: Disability Studies & Latin American Studies

I NOVAdance so that no child or family ever has to go through cancer alone. My best friend’s father, Jaime, went through it alone when he was diagnosed at just 5 years old with a Wilms’ tumor. He was a second father to me and knowing that his life was cut short due to all of the lasting effects that come with the medications used to treat his cancer even in remission has reinforced how important it is to support our B+ Heroes emotionally as much as possible. Getting to know each of them through this organization presents as an opportunity to give them the support that Jaime never had so that they can continue to spread positivity and love like Andrew. I’ve seen firsthand through my involvement in sidekicks my freshman year, just how impactful the connections formed at each Hero Party and the Day Of are and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of such an incredible organization that empowers individuals to join the fight against pediatric cancer. No one should ever fight alone which is why I NOVAdance for Jaime, our B+ Heroes, and the amazing community fostered at both Villanova and the B+ Foundation.