In the heart of Pennsylvania, a remarkable event takes place every February that embodies the spirit of compassion, dedication, and hope. This event is known as THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a 46-hour dance marathon that takes place at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) with the mission of raising money to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.
THON, which stands for "The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon," has been a Penn State tradition since 1973. What began as a small event with 78 dancers has grown into a massive yearlong fundraising effort involving more than 16,500 student volunteers and over 400 participating organizations. To date, THON has raised more than $190 million for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, providing financial assistance, medical treatment, and emotional support to families battling childhood cancer.
The impact of THON extends far beyond the monetary donations it generates. The event has fostered a strong sense of community and purpose among Penn State students, alumni, and supporters worldwide. It has inspired countless acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, and has provided hope and comfort to families facing the unimaginable challenge of childhood cancer.
History and Evolution
The Early Years
The origins of THON can be traced back to 1973 when a group of Penn State students organized a dance marathon to raise money for a local charity. The event, which was then known as the "IFC Dance Marathon," was held in the HUB Ballroom and featured 78 dancers who raised $2,000 for the Butler County Association for Retarded Citizens.
In 1977, the dance marathon shifted its focus to supporting children with cancer and partnered with the Four Diamonds Fund, a charity established by Charles and Irma Millard in memory of their son, Christopher, who died of cancer at the age of 14. The Four Diamonds Fund provided financial assistance to families affected by childhood cancer and supported research efforts to find a cure.
The partnership between the dance marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund proved to be a significant turning point in the event's history. The cause of fighting childhood cancer resonated deeply with Penn State students, and the event began to grow in size and scope.
Growth and Expansion
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, THON continued to evolve and expand. The event moved to the White Building, a larger venue on campus, to accommodate the growing number of dancers and spectators. In 1992, THON raised more than $1 million for the first time, a significant milestone that solidified its position as one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the world.
As THON grew in size and prominence, so did its impact on the Penn State community and beyond. The event became a yearlong effort, with students organizing fundraisers, events, and campaigns throughout the year to raise money and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.
In 1999, THON introduced the "Dancer Couple" system, which paired each dancer with a partner for support and encouragement throughout the 46-hour marathon. This system helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the dancers and became a beloved tradition of the event.
Moving to the Bryce Jordan Center
In 2007, THON underwent a significant change when it moved from the White Building to the Bryce Jordan Center, a state-of-the-art arena on the Penn State campus. The move allowed for a larger audience and more dancers, with the event now accommodating over 700 dancers and thousands of spectators.
The Bryce Jordan Center also provided a more immersive and engaging experience for participants and attendees. The arena was transformed into a vibrant, colorful space filled with music, dancing, and interactive activities. Large screens displayed live footage of the dancers, as well as inspirational videos and messages from families affected by childhood cancer.
The move to the Bryce Jordan Center marked a new era for THON, one defined by growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the fight against childhood cancer. In the years that followed, THON continued to break fundraising records and expand its reach, engaging more students, alumni, and supporters than ever before.
THON Today
Today, THON is a yearlong effort that involves over 16,500 student volunteers and more than 400 participating organizations. The 46-hour dance marathon, which takes place every February, is the culmination of a year of fundraising, events, and campaigns.
In addition to the dance marathon, THON organizes a variety of events and initiatives throughout the year to raise money and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. These include the THON 5K, a family carnival, and the "No Hair, Don't Care" campaign, in which students shave their heads in solidarity with children undergoing cancer treatment.
THON also partners with a variety of corporate sponsors and donors to support its mission. These partnerships have helped to expand THON's reach and impact, allowing the organization to provide even more support and resources to families affected by childhood cancer.
In recent years, THON has also embraced technology and social media to engage supporters and raise awareness for its cause. The organization maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, sharing updates, photos, and videos from events and campaigns throughout the year.
Despite its growth and evolution over the years, THON remains true to its core mission of supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. The event continues to be a powerful example of the impact that student activism, philanthropy, and community engagement can have in making a positive difference in the world.
Impact and Significance
Supporting the Four Diamonds Fund
One of the most significant ways in which THON makes a difference is through its support of the Four Diamonds Fund. Since partnering with the charity in 1977, THON has raised more than $190 million to support the Fund's mission of providing comprehensive care and support to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
The Four Diamonds Fund provides a wide range of services and resources to families, including financial assistance for medical expenses, travel costs, and other expenses related to cancer treatment. The Fund also supports research efforts to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, as well as educational programs to raise awareness and promote early detection.
Through its partnership with THON, the Four Diamonds Fund has been able to expand its reach and impact, providing support and resources to more families than ever before. The Fund now serves over 600 families each year and has helped to improve outcomes and quality of life for countless children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Inspiring Student Activism and Philanthropy
Another significant impact of THON is how it inspires and empowers student activism and philanthropy. The event is entirely student-run, with a leadership team of over 300 Penn State students who work tirelessly throughout the year to plan and execute the dance marathon and related events.
The student volunteers who participate in THON develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication, as well as a deep sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Many THON alumni go on to become leaders in their communities and fields, using the skills and values they developed through their involvement with the organization.
THON also serves as a powerful example of the impact that student philanthropy can have. The event has inspired similar dance marathons and fundraising events at colleges and universities across the country, engaging thousands of students in the fight against childhood cancer and other important causes.
Building Community and Resilience
Perhaps one of the most powerful impacts of THON is how it builds community and resilience among those affected by childhood cancer. The event brings together families, students, and supporters from all walks of life, united in their commitment to supporting children and families facing the unimaginable challenge of cancer.
For families affected by childhood cancer, THON provides a powerful source of hope, comfort, and support. The event allows them to connect with other families who understand their experiences, and to feel the love and support of the larger Penn State community.
For students who participate in THON, the event provides a sense of purpose and connection that extends far beyond the 46-hour dance marathon. Many students develop deep friendships and bonds with their fellow dancers, volunteers, and the families they support, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
THON also helps to build resilience and strength among those affected by childhood cancer. The event's message of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful one and has inspired countless individuals to keep fighting and never give up.
Raising Awareness and Promoting Research
Finally, THON plays an important role in raising awareness about childhood cancer and promoting research efforts to find better treatments and cures. Through its various events, campaigns, and partnerships, THON helps to educate the public about the realities of childhood cancer and the importance of supporting research and treatment efforts.
THON's support of the Four Diamonds Fund also helps to advance research efforts in the field of pediatric oncology. The Fund supports a variety of research initiatives at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, including clinical trials, basic science research, and translational research to bring new treatments from the lab to the bedside.
By raising awareness and supporting research efforts, THON is helping to create a future in which childhood cancer is no longer a death sentence, but a treatable and curable disease. The event's impact in this area is significant and will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Stories of Hope and Inspiration
The Messina Family
One of the most powerful aspects of THON is how it brings together families affected by childhood cancer and the students who support them. The stories that emerge from these connections are truly inspiring and serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
One such story is that of the Messina family, who first became involved with THON in 2011 when their daughter, Lily, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at the age of 6. Lily and her family were paired with a group of Penn State students who provided emotional support, friendship, and encouragement throughout Lily's treatment.
Despite the challenges of her diagnosis and treatment, Lily remained a bright and positive presence, always eager to dance and play with her Penn State friends. Her spirit and courage inspired everyone who met her, and she quickly became a beloved member of the THON community.
Tragically, Lily passed away in 2018 at the age of 13, after a long and brave battle with cancer. However, her legacy lives on through the Lily's Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by her family to support pediatric cancer research and provide emotional and financial support to families affected by childhood cancer.
The Messina family remains deeply involved with THON and continues to find strength and comfort in the love and support of the Penn State community. Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact that THON can have on the lives of those affected by childhood cancer, and the enduring bonds that can form between families and the students who support them.
The Kayla Nakonechni Story
Another inspiring story from the THON community is that of Kayla Nakonechni, a Penn State student and THON participant who lost her battle with cancer in 2015 at the age of 23. Kayla's involvement with THON began in her freshman year when she joined the Penn State Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group and began fundraising for the Four Diamonds Fund.
In her sophomore year, Kayla was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Despite the challenges of her diagnosis and treatment, Kayla remained committed to THON and the fight against childhood cancer. She continued to fundraise and participate in THON events, even as she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Kayla's courage and determination in the face of her battle with cancer inspired everyone who knew her. She became a beloved figure in the THON community, known for her infectious smile, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the cause.
Tragically, Kayla passed away in October 2015, just a few months after graduating from Penn State. However, her legacy lives on through the Kayla Nakonechni Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by her family to support brain cancer research and provide scholarships to students who have been affected by cancer.
Kayla's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have in the fight against cancer, and the enduring power of the human spirit to inspire and uplift others in the face of adversity.
The THON 2021 Virtual Event
In 2021, THON faced an unprecedented challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With large in-person gatherings prohibited, the organization was forced to reimagine its signature event in a virtual format.
Despite the challenges of going virtual, the THON community rose to the occasion, creating a powerful and engaging online experience that captured the spirit and energy of the dance marathon. The 46-hour event, which took place entirely online, featured live performances, interactive activities, and inspiring stories from families and participants.
One of the highlights of the virtual event was the "Family Hour," a special segment featuring interviews and performances from families affected by childhood cancer. The segment provided a powerful reminder of the real-life impact of THON's mission and the resilience and strength of the families who have faced the unimaginable challenge of childhood cancer.
The virtual event also featured a variety of interactive challenges and activities to keep participants engaged and motivated throughout the 46 hours. These included a virtual 5K, a TikTok dance challenge, and a "THON Bingo" game that encouraged participants to complete various tasks and challenges related to the event.
Despite the challenges of going virtual, THON 2021 was a resounding success, raising over $10.6 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. The event served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the THON community, and the enduring power of coming together in support of a common cause, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Looking to the Future
Expanding THON's Reach and Impact
As THON looks to the future, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach and impact in the fight against childhood cancer. One of the key ways in which THON is working to achieve this goal is by engaging more students, alumni, and supporters in its mission.
In recent years, THON has expanded its outreach efforts to engage more Penn State campuses and communities across the country. The organization has established partnerships with Penn State alumni groups and other organizations to host fundraising events and raise awareness about childhood cancer in their local communities.
THON is also working to engage more corporate sponsors and donors in its mission. By partnering with companies and organizations that share its values and commitment to making a positive difference in the world, THON can expand its fundraising efforts and provide even more support and resources to families affected by childhood cancer.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Another key focus for THON as it looks to the future is embracing technology and innovation to enhance the participant and supporter experience. The organization has already made significant strides in this area, with the development of a mobile app that allows participants to track their fundraising progress, connect with other participants, and access important event information.
THON is also exploring new ways to leverage social media and digital marketing to engage supporters and raise awareness about its mission. By creating compelling content and campaigns that resonate with younger audiences, THON hopes to inspire a new generation of activists and philanthropists to join the fight against childhood cancer.
Continuing to Provide Hope and Support
Ultimately, the future of THON will be defined by its unwavering commitment to providing hope, support, and resources to families affected by childhood cancer. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, it will remain focused on its core mission of making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Through its partnership with the Four Diamonds Fund, THON will continue to provide comprehensive care and support to children and families facing the challenges of cancer treatment. The organization will also continue to support research efforts to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, with the ultimate goal of creating a future in which no child has to suffer from this devastating disease.
By continuing to inspire and empower student activism and philanthropy, THON will also help to create a new generation of leaders and changemakers who are committed to making a positive difference in the world. The organization's impact will be felt not just in the lives of those directly affected by childhood cancer, but in the countless ripple effects of kindness, compassion, and generosity that it inspires.
Conclusion
THON is a truly remarkable event that embodies the power of student activism, philanthropy, and community engagement to make a positive difference in the world. Through its unwavering commitment to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer, THON has raised over $190 million for the Four Diamonds Fund, providing comprehensive care, support, and resources to those who need it most.
But THON's impact extends far beyond the monetary donations it generates. The event has fostered a strong sense of community and purpose among Penn State students, alumni, and supporters worldwide, inspiring countless acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. It has provided hope and comfort to families facing the unimaginable challenge of childhood cancer and has helped to build resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
As THON looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, embracing technology and innovation, and continuing to provide hope and support to those who need it most. By engaging more students, alumni, and supporters in its mission, and partnering with organizations and companies that share its values, THON is poised to make an even greater difference in the years to come.
Ultimately, the story of THON is one of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest challenges.