Hitting the Gong at VOLthon

In 2011, Sarah Smith hit a gong to celebrate the end of her cancer treatment. Today, she is hitting a gong at VOLthon to celebrate the money raised for the hospital and team that took care of her.

When Sarah was just four years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and immediately began receiving treatment at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. Throughout her two and a half years of treatment, Sarah and her family grew close to her care team and were positively impacted by the support they received throughout her time at the hospital. “When I would have to go under anesthesia, I remember one of my doctors would make me smile and feel comfortable by telling jokes,” said Sarah. “While I was receiving treatment, the child life specialists would also play with my brothers. I loved all my doctors, nurses and child life specialists who were so good to me and my family.”

During treatment, Sarah was invited to VOLthon, a student-led dance marathon at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville that raises critical funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, like Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. “I remember going to VOLthon for the very first time and absolutely loving it and thinking how cool it was to be around college students.” Sarah and her family continued to attend VOLthon each year and her love for the event grew even more.

After two and a half years of treatment, Sarah was officially cancer free at almost seven years old. She then became an ambassador for Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, a program that connects communities to the hospital’s mission through sharing personal stories and journeys. “I got to attend VOLthon for the first time as an ambassador and remember doing the hero walk with my brothers and other ambassadors. It was amazing!” After years of involvement in the program, Sarah knew she wanted to attend a university that had a Dance Marathon program someday.

When that day finally came, Sarah decided to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and joined the VOLthon committee. Throughout the years, Sarah has helped in various areas of the event including family relations and director of recruitment. Today, she is a junior at the university and the Vice President of Marketing for VOLthon, which perfectly aligns with her passion for healthcare marketing. “VOLthon has been one of my biggest college blessings. I’ve met some of my best friends through this program.”

This year, Sarah and the rest of the VOLthon team raised $315,044.70 for children, just like her. The funds raised will support the expansion and renovation of the Hogs for the Cause Hematology/Oncology Center. This new space will provide additional room and offerings for the patients and families routinely visiting for treatment. “VOLthon is great way to get involved and is not only fun, but it’s also a great cause and way to give back.”