Fichera’s childhood looked different than those of other kids her age. After two years of battling illnesses with no answers, she was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). Soon after her diagnosis, she began monthly treatments of healthy human plasma at Connecticut Children’s.

“Connecticut Children's saved my life, and, in turn, I became a Miracle Child,” said Fichera.

While being a Miracle Child means overcoming a serious illness or injury, it is more than that to Fichera.

“Every Miracle Child is strong, brave and amazing,” said Fichera. “To me, it is being recognized for the bravery of your struggles while growing up differently from other children.”

As a Miracle Child, Fichera experienced the excitement of numerous dance marathons in the area that supported Connecticut Children’s. However, once she stepped onto Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus for the first time and was embraced by the community, she fell in love with QTHON.

“I loved coming to QTHON,” said Fichera. "They made me feel like a normal and special child. Every year when QTHON came around, I knew I was going to be able to be myself and around others who fully supported me.”

Over a five-year period as a Miracle Child, Fichera watched QTHON grow and become a thriving student initiative. From being given an Ice Cat’s pom poms to taking home every poster and letter made for her, memories were created that still resonate with her to this day.

The impact of QTHON on Fichera didn’t stop there. Because of her experiences during the dance marathon, she knew from a very young age that Quinnipiac was the university for her.

Now, as Fichera pursues degrees in criminal justice and sociology at Quinnipiac, she continues to experience QTHON, but from a different perspective.

Fichera was Kappa Delta’s Team Captain for QTHON 2024, and her experiences came full circle when her sorority hosted a Miracle Child. She was able to personally give her Miracle Child a gift basket and letters written by her sorority’s members.

“It was such a beautiful and full circle moment,” said Fichera.

For QTHON 2025, Fichera’s perspective of the organization shifted again as she became a member of the management team as the Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Chair. In this role, she is responsible for providing fundraising resources and templates to committees, general participants and management members.

“I love being able to help with QTHON in such a positive way,” said Fichera. “I really enjoy the finance aspect of my position. The 2025 finance team is amazing and we all respect and love one another.”

Fichera encourages the Quinnipiac community to come support QTHON, Connecticut Children’s and the Miracle Children during the Day Of event on Saturday, March 29. 

“I know QTHON can seem daunting as a whole, but once you get to day of, you will be able to see the true effect and impact you have on children's lives,” said Fichera.