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Who We Are

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Who We Are: THON™

THON is a student‑run philanthropy dedicated to spreading awareness, funding research, and supporting children affected by childhood cancer. Through its partnership with Four Diamonds, THON provides the critical funding that makes it possible for Four Diamonds to deliver world‑class treatment, cover all cancer‑related medical expenses not paid by insurance for all eligible Four Diamonds children, and drive innovative research to one day conquer childhood cancer.

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What Is the Penn State Dance Marathon?

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known as THON, is a childhood cancer philanthropy. It is completely student-run at the Pennsylvania State University and attracts thousands of participants each year.

Students take part in a 46‑hour, no‑sitting, no‑sleeping dance marathon, supporting Four Diamonds and advancing its mission to help eligible children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

What started as a PSU dance marathon with only 78 dancers back in 1973 has blossomed into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. As THON has continued to grow and evolve, it is now a yearlong effort that involves various events culminating in THON Weekend. Our pre-THON Weekend events, including the THON 5K, 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration, Family Carnival, and THON Athletic Events, are aimed at providing emotional and financial support, spreading awareness, and ensuring funding for critical research — all in pursuit of a cure. 

How THON Fights Childhood Cancer

THON has been a loyal partner with Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital since 1977 and they have been our sole beneficiary of our fundraising ever since. Through our partnership we are able to continue our mission of helping Four Diamonds children by providing financial and emotional support which also helps to drive research for a cure forward—to help kids everywhere.

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Four Diamonds supports eligible children and families in their fight against childhood cancer by ensuring they receive the medical care they need regardless of cost, providing comprehensive therapeutic services and funding life‑saving research to advance treatments and, ultimately, find a cure. Four Diamonds has assisted 100% of eligible pediatric cancer patients receiving care at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

And THON plays a vital role in making this possible — 96 cents of every dollar raised by THON is donated to Four Diamonds to fuel this mission and make a lasting impact for children and families.

The money we raise allows Four Diamonds to help eligible families offset any costs related to their child’s cancer treatment at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital that insurance doesn’t cover.  But it doesn’t end there. Four Diamonds also takes care of the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of children affected by cancer. 

Our dedication to enhancing the lives of children and families fighting childhood cancer goes beyond providing the support they need — we’re also providing funding for critical research.

We dream of the day we all dance in celebration together. That dream is the reason we are raising funds for Four Diamonds which helps to fund research at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, where some of the brightest oncologists and researchers from across the nation collaborate and move one step closer to finding a cure for childhood cancer.

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Making a Difference Together

Who Is Involved in THON?

We’ve got student volunteers, faculty, alumni of Penn State University, the THON Community and the amazing Four Diamonds children and families we support. Our students organize everything guided by the coaching and mentorship provided by the Four Diamonds staff team and Penn State Student Affairs staff.  We have committees dedicated to various aspects such as fundraising, entertainment, and organization.

We also have various corporate sponsors and generous donors who contribute resources and monetary support to make it all happen. Finally, the brave Four Diamonds children affected by childhood cancer share their stories and inspire us all.

Get Involved

Thanks to our incredible donors and the community, Penn State THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and one of the top childhood cancer nonprofit organizations. But we can’t do it without you. We rely on donor support to continue our mission and directly impact Four Diamonds children battling childhood cancer.

If you want to get involved and play your part in making a difference, donate now.  Together, we can create a brighter future for children battling cancer!

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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 Golisano 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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