THON is a student‑run philanthropy committed to helping conquer childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide financial support to Four Diamonds so children receive world‑class care, ensure funding for critical research, and provide emotional support to families — all in pursuit of a cure. Children battling childhood cancer remain at the heart of everything we do, and every decision we make is grounded in our commitment to helping them and their families through the most difficult moments of their lives.
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — known as THON — is a student‑run philanthropy dedicated to conquering childhood cancer. Each year, thousands of Penn State students unite to support Four Diamonds children and their families. THON culminates in a 46‑hour, no‑sitting, no‑sleeping dance marathon that raises essential funds to ensure Four Diamonds children receive world‑class care at no cost, advance critical childhood cancer research, and provide emotional support — all in pursuit of a cure.
What began in 1973 as a small dance marathon with just 78 dancers has grown into the largest student‑run philanthropy in the world. As THON expanded, it evolved into a year‑round movement dedicated to supporting Four Diamonds and its mission to conquer childhood cancer. Today, THON’s efforts help ensure that Four Diamonds children receive world‑class care at no cost to their families, advance groundbreaking research, provide emotional support for Four Diamonds children and their families, and foster meaningful, lifelong relationships with volunteers.
From the THON 5K to THON Sports Events, every initiative reflects our commitment to supporting Four Diamonds children at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and driving forward the pursuit of a cure. Children fighting childhood cancer remain at the heart of our mission, and everything we do is For The Kids®.
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.
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.
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.
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
