THON™ 5K: 100 Days Introduction 

Written By: Justin Lejeune, Avelyn Lockard, Julia French, Norah Cogley 

Each fall, the Penn State community laces up for the annual THON™ 5K, a high energy event that unites students, alumni, and supporters in the fight against childhood cancer. The run not only raises awareness and funds for Four Diamonds families but also kicks off the Dream Forward campaign. This leads up to one of THON’s most anticipated milestones, the 100 Days ’til THON celebration. 

This celebration marks the end of the Dream Forward campaign, a university-wide effort where many organizations and committees work together to fundraise and spread awareness. 100 Days is a day of excitement, reflection, and motivation, as the THON community celebrates not only how far they’ve come, but how close they are to THON Weekend in February. 

At this year’s THON 5K, we spoke with Ellie Coulson, a THON OPP Captain. We asked what she’s most looking forward to about the 100 Days celebration. “Seeing if we can pass last year’s Dream Forward total and hair donations,” Ellie said, smiling. She’s also eager to experience one of THON’s most emotional traditions firsthand: “I’m really excited to be on the floor during the total reveal and see if my committee can help raise that figure up.” 

For Ellie, being part of THON is a constant reminder of the impact students can make when they come together. “It really puts in check how much work we do every week,” she explained. “It’s only 17 days, and we gain so much support and raise so much money.” 

When asked why she THONs, Ellie’s answer was simple but powerful: “I THON in memory of a friend, and so that every kid can smile more and have a little more time for love and laughter with all of us.” Ellie’s words capture the unity and love that drives every mile and dollar. Her passion reminds us all why the THON community continues to Dream Forward, For the Kids®.