Deb Fiscella, Class of 1985, didn’t want to have your typical 50th birthday bash. Instead, she’s planning on raising $50,000 for the Four Diamonds Fund to celebrate.

“I remember shortly after my birthday last year thinking that this year’s birthday was a big deal, and I better do something about that,” said Fiscella, telling why she decided to start raising funds.

Fiscella was involved with THON as a student, a member of the Morale committee for three years, from 1983-1985. Back then, they each had three 3-hour shifts and, she said, she would try each year to make sure she was on the dance floor for the final reveal.

Deb is extremely passionate about THON and what it does year in and year out.

“My favorite part of THON is the shared experience among everyone there. There is a community that’s built over those 46 hours — a common purpose, a selfless goal, a shared heart. It’s that feeling you get not just when the final tally is revealed, but when you look around you and realize you’re part of something incredible.”

As for specific events that she remembers from her THON years, her favorite was at THON 1985. She was the singer in a band, Azgard, and had the opportunity to perform at THON in front of, as she says, more people than she ever had before. In addition, that was the first year that they broke $200,000.

To get started, Deb contacted the Four Diamonds Fund who were very willing to help with her event. They created a website, Facebook page, Twitter account, and more recently she made a video, which can be viewed below. Friends and family have been helping in the D.C. area where Fiscella lives, but she’s reaching out to Happy Valley and beyond to extend her efforts.

As of Wednesday night, Deb has raised $5,460. Her goal is to reach $50K by the end of May so that, she said, “every kid can see their 50th birthday, too.”