I was very happy to see the article in Friday's Collegian about Merritt Swallow's experience with childhood cancer. Although I have never had cancer, two people very close to me have suffered from it. My younger brother, at age 8, was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia (also known as childhood Leukemia).

The effects of the cancer on his childhood were incredible. He had to face pain and sickness that even our parents haven't had to deal with in their lives. Thankfully, after over a year of chemotherapy and radiation, he was pronounced to be in remission and now, in June, he will graduate high school. My boyfriend, Tony, who is also a Penn State student, has been fighting cancer on and off for over 3 years.

His strength and determination during his treatments amaze me. His fight to live continues everyday, and it truly makes one realize how precious life is.

I'm happy to see that, although always for a good cause, people haven't forgotten the true meaning and purpose of Dance Marathon.

Yes, its a good time and brings people closer together, but its true purpose is helping those kids, who, through their everyday battles to live, become heroes to all they encounter.

I admire my brother's and Tony's constant courage, strength, and determination, and they have become my heroes and influenced my outlook on the future. Congratulations to all those who took time to raise money, donate money, organize and take part in Dance Marathon. Remember, it's for the kids.