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One Day We Will Dance in
CELEBRATION, Until Then We Will Dance For A CURE

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Year-Round
Commitment
to Providing Emotional Support, Raising Awareness and Funding Critical Research

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One Day Cancer
Will Be Cured,
Until Then We Will
Make A Difference

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The Largest Student-Run Philanthropy in the World

THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children & families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide emotional & financial support, spread awareness, & ensure funding for critical research—all in pursuit of a cure.

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46
Hour Dance Marathon
4,800
Families Helped
16,500
Student Volunteers
$236,000,000
Raised
Read their stories

For The Kids®

The families battling childhood cancer remain at the core of our mission. THON aims to provide emotional & financial support for families supported by Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital by facilitating lifelong relationships between families & volunteers, fostering a sense of community, & providing year-round support. THON strives to ensure that families remain at the heart of every volunteer’s efforts and that everything is done For The Kids.

Meet our families

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Hoch Family Story

Colby was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in 1994 when he was 2 years 8 months old. It was a long 2 years of multiple…
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Musser Family Story

I’ll start off by sharing a bit about us. My hubby (Kevin) and I have 3 daughters Olivia who will be 8 next week, Allyson will be 6 next month and Stella who is 3. When Allyson was diagnosed, she was only 3 1/2, Olivia was 5 1/2 and Stella was only 9 months old.
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Speed Family Story

I’ve been writing this in my head for months now, apparently it’s part of how I cope, just another fun fact about myself I am…
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Smith Family Story

When I was asked by the Family Relations Committee to tell our story, I did not really know what I could say. For me, though, no…
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Silbaugh Family Story

Calliope was born on Easter Sunday in 2012. She was a very pleasant baby and in seemingly good health. All of her baby check-ups…
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Howe Family Story

My name is Megan Howe and I became a Four Diamonds Child in 1999. July of 1999 I was about to turn two years old. Up to that point, I was a perfectly healthy child. I was walking all around and even pointing to the outfits I would wear that day. I learned to dress myself and was a loved member of the daycare on…
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Bigler Family Story

Hi, we are the Dominique Bigler family. I’m Marsha, this is Gary, and we have two beautiful daughters, Dominique and Natasha.…
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Eichelberger Family Story

Jaxon is now a happy and healthy six-year-old! He loves playing sports like baseball and soccer. He enjoys spending time with his friends and cousins and loves video games. He is getting ready to start first grade this fall!
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Frey Family Story

Noah is now four years old and is in the maintenance phase of his treatment. Life now feels a little more normal (well our normal…
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Laboy Family Story

“I’m so grateful for Four Diamonds, because without them, I feel like Kaylahni wouldn’t have been given a chance,” Kiara…
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Lucas Family Story

“One of the big things that I like to focus on is not just the journey of the individual patient, but the journey of siblings,…
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Newswanger Family Story

“When you go to THON, you just see all of the amazing things and the time that was put into pulling off the weekend, and it’s incredible,” Amy said. “THON touches lives every day, and for those of us who have unfortunately needed it, we are forever grateful for the help.”
Pulaski

Pulaski Family Story

“At my age, you don’t really understand what’s happening, and I think that helped me get over it a lot easier,” Devin…
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Reese Family Story

Kionne Reese Abrams lives in State College, PA with his parents, Alyssa and Dylan. He is thriving as a middle schooler, competitive gymnast, dog whisperer to Fred and Scottie, crop cultivator in our home garden, and gem collector/LED light extraordinaire! Because our journey is so different from most Four…
Jonus

Wetzel Family Story 

Jonus was diagnosed on January 9, 2022, with High-Risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with PH-like chromosomes. It was a…
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Woods Family Story

Keira Woods is 18 years old and says she’s “definitely a Pisces.” She was born in Maryland on March 6, 2006, but spent most…
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Lynch Family Story

Throughout Olivia’s journey with cancer, we grew as a family in a way that we didn’t know at the time, but now know looking…
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Guzman Family Story

Carmen Guzman is a graduate student at Penn State studying Nutrition and Dietetics, on the path to becoming a Registered Dietician. She hopes to work with children going through cancer treatment. Carmen understands what it is like to go through cancer treatment, because 15 years before, Carmen was in their…
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Hoch Family Story
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Musser Family Story
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Speed Family Story
kids-4

Smith Family Story
kids-3

Silbaugh Family Story
kids-6

Howe Family Story
Bigler

Bigler Family Story
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Eichelberger Family Story
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Frey Family Story
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Laboy Family Story
Brady-Lucas-2

Lucas Family Story
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Newswanger Family Story
Pulaski

Pulaski Family Story
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Reese Family Story
Jonus

Wetzel Family Story 
Kiera-Woods-

Woods Family Story
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Lynch Family Story
Carmen-Guzman-

Guzman Family Story
Get involved

Ready to Make a Difference?

To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.

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Making a difference

Our Partners

At its core, THON is an organization that makes a difference in the lives of families and children battling childhood cancer. Each year, through meticulous care & dedication, we are able to make sure that 96 cents of every dollar directly impacts children & families battling childhood cancer.

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $236 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. We are thankful for our incredible partners, who continue to support us in our pursuit of a cure.

Meet our families

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Our alumni

Support Our Mission

Join our alumni groups in contributing to the efforts of THON with the common goal of one day dancing in celebration of a cure. The Alumni Challenge challenges our Penn State Alumni Community to see which geographical region can raise the most money in support of THON. Gather with your friends, co-workers, local alumni chapter, etc. to organize an event & spread THON’s mission nationwide by bringing THON to your area.

Learn more

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Penn State THON

1 week ago

Penn State THON
Check out Penn State THON™’s NEW and UPDATED website. THON.org underwent a complete revamp including a new visual design and comprehensive information detailing our yearlong efforts to provide emotional and financial support for children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Read our Family Stories, learn how to get involved, and if you’re feeling inspired, discover how you can give back as we enter our Season of Giving! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

2 weeks ago

Penn State THON
We are having so much fun with our families at Family Carnival! Join us as we prepare to reveal the logo for THON™ 2025! Tune in to the livestream at thon.org/livestream! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON was live.

2 weeks ago

Penn State THON
Welcome to the third annual Alumni Game Show! Join to play some trivia and hear from guest speakers! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

2 weeks ago

Penn State THON
The third annual Alumni Game Show is today! This virtual interactive event encourages all Alumni to answer trivia questions, listen to guest and family speakers, win prizes if you are a winner, and even win Alumni Showdown points if you are a participant! Get ready to show off your knowledge and join us on THON social media on December 5th at 7PM! Email alumni.campaigns@thon.org with any questions. … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

3 weeks ago

Penn State THON
From NOW until funds run out every other Alumni Donation will be matched up to $50! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

3 weeks ago

Penn State THON
Today is #GivingTuesday, a national day of giving! It is THON™’s mission as a student organization to one day dance in celebration of a cure for childhood cancer.This #GivingTuesday, support THON to make a difference in the life of a child. Starting at 8 AM, every 3rd donation is matched up to $100 until funds run out. Starting at 12PM, every other alumni donation is matched up to $50 is matched until funds run out. Starting at 12PM, every other student donation is matched up to $10 is matched until funds run out.Thanks to the generosity of @jnj , 8 winners from Facebook will be selected to win funds credited to an organization or IDC of their choosing.To enter this challenge:* Like this post* Tag three friends in the comments* Repost this photo on your story#GivingTuesdayFTK … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

3 weeks ago

Penn State THON
This Tuesday is #GivingTuesday! We are excited to celebrate this national holiday of giving with Johnson & Johnson supporting THON™ through matching funds and other challenges. Mark your calendars for a day full of giving, For the Kids®! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON was live.

4 weeks ago

Penn State THON
In this episode, you will hear from one of our beautiful Four Diamonds families and an incredible Four Diamonds employee! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

1 month ago

Penn State THON
The Alumni Connection Series is a set of livestreams dedicated to sharing the stories of families, Four Diamonds workers, Penn State alumni, and more!Join us tonight, November 21st on Facebook Live! … See MoreSee Less

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Penn State THON

1 month ago

Penn State THON
First Year Committee applications for THON™ 2025 are now LIVE and due by December 16! Follow the link in our bio to join us in the fight against childhood cancer. … See MoreSee Less

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