THON is a childhood cancer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families fight the battle by raising funds and awareness, providing comprehensive support, and funding innovative research.
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known as THON, is a top childhood cancer charity. It is led by students at the Pennsylvania State University and attracts thousands of participants each year. Students take part in a 46-hour-long, no-sitting, no-standing dance marathon to raise awareness and funds for children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
What started as a dance marathon with only 78 dancers back in 1973 has blossomed into the largest student-run philanthropy worldwide. As the PSU dance marathon continued to grow and evolve, it became a year-long effort that involved various events leading up to the cumulative dance event. From the THON 5K to the THON Sports Games, all of these efforts are aimed at providing emotional and financial support, spreading awareness, and ensuring funding for critical research — all in pursuit of a cure.
In 1977, THON partnered with Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, and they have been our sole beneficiary ever since. Through our partnership with Four Diamonds, we are able to carry out our mission of helping children fight cancer by providing financial and emotional support as well as driving the research for a cure forward.
Four Diamonds is an organization that assists families and children in fighting childhood cancer by ensuring access to medical care, providing comprehensive support, and funding innovative research to improve treatments and find a cure. The organization has assisted 100% of children cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Where does THON™ fit into all of this? Because of our shared goal, we donate 96 cents of every dollar to Four Diamonds to fund their efforts.
The monetary funds we raise help Four Diamonds families offset any costs of cancer treatment at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital that insurance does not cover. In addition to contributing to medical bills, Four Diamonds also caters to the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of children affected by cancer and their families by supporting over 30 specialty care providers.
Our dedication to transforming the lives of children and families conquering childhood cancer goes beyond providing the support they need. We hope to one day dance in celebration, which is why we fund research to enhance treatment and move one step closer to finding the cure to childhood cancer.
The funds we raise go toward cancer research conducted at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine. In this top-tier research hospital, oncologists from across the country come together and work toward the common goal of finding a cure.
THON involves student volunteers, faculty, and alumni of Penn State University, along with the families it supports. The students organize the event, with committees dedicated to various aspects such as fundraising, entertainment, and organization.
Various corporate sponsors and generous donors contribute resources and monetary support. Finally, families affected by childhood cancer participate, sharing their stories and inspiring the attendees.
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health 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.
