February 21, 2021
LoboTHON volunteers with two of LoboTHON’s “miracle kiddos”.
Sandia Intern Newslette
Here at Sandia National Laboratories, we strive to make a di erence.
Let’s act on this by connecting with LoboTHON to be “For The Kids”.
“My wish is that no family
ever face their
‘Unthinkable’!  But if they
do, I am grateful to God
for the people who make
up the Children’s Miracle
Network! My family will
forever owe a debt of
gratitude for everything
you provided to us!"
— Kieriay Moyer,
Miracle Child’s Mom
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LoboTHON. Have you heard of it
LoboTHON is the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) largest
student-run philanthropic organization, and each volunteer is “For
The Kids” (FTK). Since 2014, volunteers have helped year-round to
raise awareness and funds for the UNM Children’s Hospital, the
only Children’s Miracle Network (CNM) Hospital in New Mexico.
They do so by hosting community-based events, partnering with
local businesses, and spreading awareness on UNM’s campus. By
the end of their fundraising year on November 7th, this non-pro t
hosts their infamous 13.1-hour Dance Marathon
What is Children’s Miracle Network
The Children’s Miracle Network is the over-arching non-pro t
with 170 a liated hospitals. The CNM is committed to having
100% of raised funds stay local. Together, CNM Hospitals are
• Treating over 17 million patients each year
• Treating 98% of children needing heart or lung transplants
• Treating 88% of children with cancer
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 February 21, 2021

• Treating 76% of children with cystic brosi

• Treating 90% of all children with sickle cell anemia

• Treating 72% of all children with pediatric AIDS.1

At UNM’s Children’s Hospital, over 66,000 children receive

treatment yearly.2 As a student volunteer, you will be supporting
this treatment process while giving each child a chance to be a
Lobo, and perhaps one day, a Sandian

What is Dance Marathon

With a 13.1-hour Dance Marathon, you are probably thinking
about how all of your memorized TikTok dance moves will not go
to waste after all. Although there will be plenty of time for
dancing, that is not all this event is. For LoboTHON’s miracle kids
and their families, Dance Marathon is a tribute to their strength
and a break from appointments and treatment. For the student
volunteers, it is a time to re ect on the year’s hard work and
connect the supporting UNM community with the miracle kids.

During this event, you can expect hours to dance, hours to

“I am FTK because every
participate in fun activities, and hours to hear personal
child deserves a chance testimonies. Each year goes a bit di erently, especially last year
to be a kid free from the when Dance Marathon went virtual. No matter the format, it is an
unforgettable experience
stress and constraints put
on them. These kids are
How Can You Be For The Kids
my heroes and my
If you are looking for a worthwhile opportunity to be FTK at the
inspiration.” UNM Children’s Hospital, here is how to do it
— Morgan Lucero, • Set up a fundraising page as an individual or with other
UNM Student Volunteer Sandian interns (team: SandiansAreFTK) at
https://www.lobothon.org

• Follow LoboTHON on Instagram @lobo_thon to hear

about upcoming fundraising events and how to participate

• Apply to be a part of their committee when applications open!

1 LoboTHON. “About Us.” LoboTHON, 2020, www.lobothon.org/about-1.

2 University of New Mexico. “Only the Best for Your Child.” Pediatric Care &
Services, 2021, unmhealth.org/childrens-hospital/services.
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