While it’s naturally a disappointment, not getting a committee position for THON 2013 should not bar you from still getting involved and Inspiring Tomorrow’s Miracles. For those that may have missed THON’s Involvement Fair earlier this week, here are a few alternative ways to help make a difference in the life of a child.

Alongside committees, one of the most popular ways to get involved is by joining a special interest organization or by fundraising alongside an organization that participates in THON. In addition to fundraising, organizations that are paired with a Four Diamonds family maintain relationships and provide support for the members of that family. These families can include children currently going through treatment, children who are out of treatment, and Four Diamonds Families whose children have lost their battle with cancer. Some organizations are paired with two or even three families. A complete list of organizations that participate in THON can be found here, but here’s some information on a few that you may or may not have heard of.

Atlas is one of THON’s largest special interest organizations and was founded in the Fall of 2005. Since then, Atlas and its members have contributed over a million dollars to the fight against pediatric cancer. Although its size may be daunting, Atlas has many ways to get more involved through involved through its internal committees. Atlas can be easily spotted on canning trips and during THON Weekend as their members all sport fuzzy pink hats.

Despite being new to THON as of last year, Apollo placed in the top ten for fundraising among special interest organizations. For more information on how to get involved, check out their website.

Founded in 2001, Springfield originated within the Honors housing and Simmons Hall. Since then, Springfield has also contributed over a million dollars to the Four Diamonds Fund. Like Atlas, Springfield is paired with three Four Diamonds Families, allowing its members to truly see what THON is all about.

If hearing stories about these orgs has inspired you to create your own, that’s a possibility too. Check out THON’s website for information on how to begin your own special interest organization or how to get an existing club involved in THON.

On top of these special interest organizations, it isn’t too late to test your luck and try to dance independently. Independent dancer hopefuls are required to raise $2,600 to be eligible for the selection lottery, and each additional $500 raised gives them another ticket and another chance at being selected to dance. If you and a friend are interested in pursuing the opportunity to join in the nearly 700 students that dance THON weekend, stop by the THON office in 210 HUB to receive more information and get registered.

Rather than moping about how you didn’t get on your first (or even second) choice committee, view the additional free time as an opportunity to get involved with THON in a way you may not have considered previously. Who knows, you may even find an unexpected niche for THONs to come.