MOUNT CARMEL - Cassandra Niglio is only 20, but her determination to make a difference in the lives of others is stronger than most people twice her age.
While attending Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School,` she co-created a talent show that raised $7,518 in three years for the American Cancer Society. Now, while attending classes at Bloomsburg University, she has helped to organize a 12-hour dance marathon at her alma mater that will aid children with cancer.
"Mini-THON" will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 28, in the gymnasium. Niglio, her cousin Rachel Niglio, 21, Samantha Spieller, 20, and Cassie Mace, 20, close friends and former high school classmates, serve as committee members.
Money raised from the event - around $2,000 so far - will go to the Four Diamonds Fund, which provides financial, medical and research support.
They consider the event a smaller version of Penn State University's THON, a 46-hour dance marathon held yearly that has raised millions for the fund.
The Mount Carmel event, which is being conducted with authorization from THON, will feature teams of two or more people dancing to music provided by live bands and DJs. Activities and guests speakers are scheduled throughout the day.
"It's a way to get the community and students involved," Cassandra Niglio said. "We hope the community really gets involved in this. It is community driven."
Registration is $15 per person. Each team will receive an informational packet and will be asked to find sponsors prior to the event.
Living a legacy
In 2010, Niglio and high school classmates Karissa Cichon and Bridget Greco created "Make a Difference" talent show in memory of Niglio's mother, Denise Niglio, and Lisa Wasilewski, who both lost their battles with cancer.
Niglio said it became increasingly challenging to organize the event because of college classes and having limited access to the high school. Interest in the talent show also declined, which lead Niglio to look at THON as an alternate fundraiser.
"We had a successful first year, but then participation went down. After graduating, it became so hard to get into the school." Niglio said. "It was way too hard while at Bloomsburg."
Niglio plans to hold an informational session at the school once students are back in session. A teacher at Mount Carmel Area will serve as a liaison between interested students and committee members, Niglio said.
'Rewarding' experience
Rachel Niglio, Spieller and Mace had helped with the talent show, but are now taking on a larger role with Mini-THON. The close-knit group of friends are more than happy to assist Niglio with the event.
"It's really rewarding to see Cass live her mother's legacy," Spieller said. "We have all been friends for a long time."
Rachel Niglio echoed Spieller's comments, "It, too, is rewarding, especially as I go into the medical field at Lock Haven University."
The committee has already held several fundraisers leading up the event, including collecting donations at the Great Kulpmont Car Cruise, a benefit night at Brewser's SportsGrille and a $3 donation night at the Jan Sobieski Club. The committee will also have a stand at the Picnic in the Park today through Saturday at Town Park.
"We were out in a torrential downpour at the cruise to collect money from people," Mace said. "But if you tell them about it, they will get involved," Mace said.
The committee hopes to collect $5,000 through the event from registrations and donations. For more information call 205-8526. Donations can be mailed to Diane Dallabrida at 922 Chestnut St., Kulpmont 17834.