Dancer Relations Director
Anabella Begley
- Year: Senior
- Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA
- Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Minor: Human Development and Family Studies
- Previous THON™ Involvement:
Freshman year: Donor and Alumni Relations First-Year Committee Member
Sophomore year: Dancer Relations Committee Member
Junior year: Dancer Relations Captain: Dancer Storage
- Why did you want to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world because I wanted to have a greater impact on this organization and help inspire the next generation of THON volunteers to give more back to our mission and to our families. I have been so inspired by every volunteer and family that I have met throughout my THON journey, and I hope to show other volunteers the magic of working together towards our mission to one day dance in celebration of a cure.
- What are your main responsibilities as a Director for THON™ 2026? As the Dancer Relations Director, I serve as the primary liaison for students selected to dance in THON Weekend and help coordinate all the logistical aspects of the dancer experience to ensure their well-being and safety. I also lead a committee of 24 Captains and assist them with a variety of tasks and events. This includes Dancer Pre-Registration and Registration, Commonwealth Dancer Retreat, Yellow Shirt University, the Dancer Mentor Panel, and so much more!
- What is your favorite THON memory? My favorite THON memory occurred last year as I served as a Dancer Relations Captain. My co-captains and I linked arms during Family Hour, listening to our courageous families speak. Their stories are so inspiring to hear, and I will always admire their strength and courage. We all felt so moved and inspired by their stories and cancer journeys.
- What is your favorite quote? “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
- What are you involved in outside of being a THON™ Director? The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Phi Epsilon Kappa, and Harmony
- What are your plans after graduation from Penn State? I plan to attend graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist.
