Since 2011, QTHON has now raised over $1.7 million to provide treatments, resources, and healthcare services for children and families served by Connecticut Children’s, the only health system in Connecticut solely dedicated to children's health. QTHON 2025 activated the involvement of more than 1,400 members of Bobcat Nation and, for the second year in a row, raised nearly $40,000 more the previous year.

On March 29, just moments after the QTHON board’s thrilling on-stage dollar total reveal at 6 p.m. in the Recreation and Wellness Center, QTHON Executive Director Sarah Springer ’26 was understandably emotional. The occupational therapy major said she was overwhelmed by the response of the Quinnipiac community and grateful to everyone who made the moment possible.

Springer said QTHON 2025 not only far exceeded its $150,000 goal but also surged beyond the executive board’s goal of 1300 participants, by rallying more than 1,400 members of Bobcat nation.

“I’m so proud of everyone at Quinnipiac who got involved with QTHON, and I’m so proud of our Eboard. They are the most amazing team I could have worked with and I’m so thankful,” said Springer.

QTHON’s all-day event on the Mount Carmel Campus drew hundreds of students who had pledged their support to the marathon fundraiser. Among them, Quinnipiac’s Greek organizations came out in force to dance and to host Miracle Kids matched to them by Connecticut Children’s.

From the opening ceremony at noon to the closing reveal, many Bobcats interacted with nine Connecticut Children’s families as special guests of the day. The excited kids were treated to QTHON activities, dances, giveaways, treats and friendly student and staff support.

Erin Gallacher, manager for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Programs and Peer-to-Peer fundraising, works with QTHON’s executive board each year as QTHON Hospital Adviser for Connecticut Children’s.

“We were so lucky to have Sarah Springer as executive director this year, not only for her passion but for her strategic thinking and her fundraising expertise,” said Gallacher. “She has really helped this team thrive and has been a support system to each and every one of the students.”

Gallacher said Quinnipiac’s QTHON executive board students always are passionate, but this year’s group showed exceptional enthusiasm with many younger students stepping up to take on roles of responsibility.

“What was really impressive about this year’s group was that we had so many second- and third-year students. It’s really inspiring to see people start to get involved early in their Quinnipiac career,” sad Gallacher.

Gallacher said QTHON’s outstanding number of participants is also a testament to the university’s caring community.

“Having more than 1,400 participants this year has been absolutely incredible. It shows how Quinnipiac’s dedication is growing each year, and we’re very grateful for that,” said Gallacher.

Gallacher was also impressed by the dedication of QTHON’s student groups specifically matched with Miracle Kids for the day.

“All of our families have been matched with different student groups who have been their hosts for the day, and they really become a part of the organization for the day. We we have fraternities and sororities giving merchandise, we have teams giving things like signed rugby balls to them. They really feel like part of this whole community,” said Gallacher.

As mom to 8-year-old Miracle Kid Brian, QTHON held very special meaning for Amanda Roy ’07. The Bobcat alumn enjoyed the day with her son, daughter Collette, 6, and husband Phil. Bringing her family back to Quinnipiac for QTHON was especially exciting, said Roy.

“Today was a beautiful day. We sat out on the Quad and had breakfast, and I was able to show them that this is where I used to live,” said Roy.

Roy said Brian has been a patient supported by Connecticut Children’s beginning with her pregnancy, when his cleft lip and palate were first detected.

“He’s had many, many oral surgeries to help him speak better, eat better, breathe better,” said Roy. “We’re thankful for events like this because not only do they bring us joy and bring a lot of smiles to his face but help him connect the hospital to positive memories. It also teaches him to give back so that other children can be supported.”

First year Bobcat Megan Migliaro, a law and society major, experienced Connecticut Children’s services as a child and said she was especially grateful for the opportunity to participate in QTHON.

“I think it’s really awesome. I went to Connecticut Children’s Hospital when I was little, so considering I went there when I was younger, I just thought it was really cool to give back,” said Migliaro, who participated as a member of Gamma Phi Beta.

Gamma Phi Beta members Gillian Galvin ’27, an occupational therapy major, and Hadley Gavan ’28, who is studying law and society and environmental sustainability policy, said there were a lot of inspirational takeaways from their day of dancing and other QTHON support they engaged in with their sorority.

“We started fundraising a while ago and we’ve really been pushing,” said Galvin. “Today it was amazing to be here and see all the families being so appreciative of how much work everyone put in. It was really great to be a part of this and to see their response.”

Gavan said QTHON brings every Bobcat under one roof to celebrate and support Connecticut Children’s.

“What really inspired me today is all the amazing work that we’re doing here for Connecticut Children’s by helping to raise money for kids and families who need help. It’s just an amazing organization and we’re really proud to be a part of supporting it,” Gavan said.

The six-hour dance party couldn’t have gone on without QTHON’s Morale volunteer dance group in their pink T-shirts and pink and blue tutus over black leggings. The huge group joined the QTHON Eboard throughout the day to lead the crowd in dances backed by club-worthy DJ beats, flashing lights and neon glow sticks.

Sascha Jayasinghe ’28 an occupational major, said QTHON’s joyful spirit made her job of dancing all day a lot of fun.

“It was really fun. Even when we weren’t leading a dance, we were dancing the whole time,” said Jayasingh.

Morale dancer Emma Nysk, ’28, a finance major, said she volunteered for QTHON because she knew it would be a fun way to give back.

“I’ve always seen it on Instagram and when I knew I was coming here, I wanted to be a part of it,” said Nysk.

As an occupational therapy major, Emily Masotta, ’28 said it meant a lot to her to be able to support the children and their families.

“I want to do pediatrics in the future, so I’m going to be working in hospitals with children. Being able to see their growth and thinking about everything I can do to help them is super exciting,” Masotta said.

In her closing remarks, Springer thanked everyone for joining QTHON 2025 to help support the journeys of children in need of lifesaving care, and their families.

“Tonight, we don’t just celebrate a total. We celebrate a movement. Together, we are one step closer to hope, one step closer to miracles, and one step closer to a brighter future for children at Connecticut Children’s and beyond,” Springer said. “I hope you had an amazing day and saw the impact we all made together. Never forget that together, we are always one step closer.”