Your Student Life: BuckeyeThon

January 28, 2025

You’re hearing a lot about BuckeyeThon these days, and for good reason. A year of activity culminates on Saturday, February 8, with the annual BuckeyeThon Dance Marathon.

BuckeyeThon is the largest student run philanthropy in the state of Ohio and engages thousands of students annually, fostering a spirit of philanthropy and uniting the Ohio State community to Make Miracles.

The mission of BuckeyeThon is to create awareness and raise funds for children with cancer and blood disorders. As an official program of the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University, BuckeyeThon focuses on children being treated in the Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

BuckeyeThon works to achieve this mission through programs, which enhance the student experience; promote the value of philanthropy; establish a spirit of service; and cultivate relationships between students, faculty, staff and community members.

BuckeyeThon raised $560,032.34 in 2024, and, over the past 22 years, has brought in more than $14.3 million.

Students who support this organization work year-round to support the families and kids being treated at the hospital both emotionally and financially. 

Throughout the year BuckeyeThon works with 20 families and children who are currently or have fought pediatric illnesses at Nationwide Children's Hospital. While some of our children have battled pediatric cancer and blood disorders, BuckeyeThon celebrates the life of all children treated at Nationwide Children's regardless of their diagnosis. These families will be present at many BuckeyeThon events and some are sure to be at the Dance Marathon.

The impact of BuckeyeThon is greater than just Nationwide Children’s Hospital. BuckeyeThon changes lives. From the kids battling cancer and blood disorders at the hospital to the survivors that are forever transformed from their fight, BuckeyeThon helps kids feel like kids again. Our commitment to change and service supports the work of the doctors, nurses, researchers and other healthcare professionals in the Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The impact of BuckeyeThon is most prevalent on our campus. With tens of thousands of students at the Ohio State University, BuckeyeThon inspires the next generation of philanthropists and advocates. Students are able to take part in something that is greater than themselves.

We encourage you to support BuckeyeThon’ s efforts. Go to go.osu.edu/BT to learn more. You can help us make miracles.

 

Jayden Messer

BuckeyeThon Advisor
Office of Student Life