by Kate Colgan

After careful consideration with health experts at Penn State University and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital (PSHCH), and in consultation with University leadership, THON intends to hold THON Weekend 2022 in person, from February 18-20, 2022, in the Bryce Jordan Center.

THON Weekend will also consist of a robust and engaging livestream component, and the THON Executive Committee is prepared to pivot to an online only event should conditions require a change. THON will continue to monitor conditions in consultation with University leadership and PSHCH treatment professionals.

The following requirements will be mandated for those wishing to enter the Bryce Jordan Center THON Weekend:

  • All Penn State Students and Staff wishing to access the event level (floor), or mezzanine will be required to provide proof of vaccination. This includes, and may not be limited to:
    • All registered dancers
    • All THON Directors, Captains, and Committee Members
    • All student and staff press
    • All student and staff performers
    • All students and staff on a THON Weekend pass list
  • All families, spectators, and Penn State Students and Staff will be required to be masked at all times, regardless of vaccination status, in accordance with University guidelines. 

Further information about the comprehensive safety plans for THON Weekend will be announced in January 2022.

This decision and safety plan was developed in conjunction with Dr. Lisa McGregor, Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, and Kelly Wolgast, director of Penn State’s Covid-19 Operations Control Center. The health and well-being of our Four Diamonds children and families, student volunteers, and passionate supporters, is our foremost priority, and we are pleased we will be able to have a safe in-person experience. 

Consistent with Dr. McGregor’s guidance, and COCC requirements, only families whose children are not on active treatment will be able to attend THON Weekend in person. Any case-by-case decisions require written consent from their treatment provider.

While we are so excited to welcome all of our passionate supporters back to THON Weekend, the safety of all in attendance is of the utmost priority. Everyone in attendance deserves to feel safe and comfortable. THON is continuing to evaluate all practices and processes of THON Weekend to ensure the safety of all of our supporters.

The robust live-stream component will help THON provide an engaging experience for those who are unable or uncomfortable attending THON Weekend in person, allowing viewers to feel just as much a part of the event. The Family Relations Committee will continue to engage virtually with families who are not able to attend the event due to any number of reasons.  

We are thrilled to be able to join together in our fight against childhood cancer. Our families are our inspiration to continue in our fight. It is a privilege to support them, safely, together, as a community.

We continue without hesitation in our fundraising, awareness, and emotional support efforts in pursuit of a day where no parent has to hear the words “your child has cancer.”

One day we will dance in celebration, until then we dance for a cure.

For The Kids®,

THON 2022 Executive Committee