General FAQ’s Read More What is THON? The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a year-long effort which raises funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. With the support of students from all across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and supporters all around […]

One Day We Will Dance in CELEBRATION, Until Then We Will Dance For A CURE Get involved One Day We Will Dance in CELEBRATION, Until Then We Will Dance For A CURE Get involved One Day We Will Dance in CELEBRATION, Until Then We Will Dance For A CURE Get involved One Day We Will […]

Sustainability in Action: THON’s Commitment to a Healthier Planet THON is committed to sustainable practices that will create a healthier planet For the THON is committed to sustainable practices that will create a healthier environment, For the Kids®, For the Planet. We aim to do this through a multitude of initiatives including decreasing our single-use […]

THON™ Livestream Join the fight against childhood cancer from anywhere through the Penn State THON™ livestream. We broadcast THON events in real time, allowing you to watch everything as it unfolds, no matter where you are in the world. Take part in the action even when you can’t join us in person.  Read More

THON Nation Defined THON Nation is a new effort that allows ​alumni, parents, and supporters​ to fundraise on behalf of THON “THON Nation allows alumni, friends, and family to join us in the fight. Our new platform enables you to create personal online fundraising pages through DonorDrive and invites friends to host individual fundraisers right […]

Make a Difference Every year, thousands of students come together to support THON™, a student-run organization dedicated to fighting childhood cancer. By donating to THON, you do more than contribute funds — you give hope and resilience to children and families battling cancer. Your generosity fuels groundbreaking research and provides vital resources for treatment and […]

Empowering Families Through Community The Adopt-a-Family Program The Adopt-A-Family (AAF) Program connects passionate Penn State students with Four Diamonds Families so that they can support families and their loved ones to conquer childhood cancer, while empowering them to do anything that they set their mind to. Organizations range from greek organizations and club sports, to […]

Alumni Dancer Mail Call Unable to make it to THON weekend, but still want to get involved? Dancer Mail Call is a great opportunity to show your support for the dancers so they can be there For The Kids®. This year the THON community is asking all alumni to either mail in or upload mail […]

Support THON  Gift Card Initiative (GCI) Every dollar of a gift card donated from the accepted stores listed below can be 100% credited to the THON Organization, IDC, or Committee of your choice! Welcome to the Gift Card Initiative (GCI)! The Gift Card Initiative is an effort by Supply Logistics, Hospitality, and other THON Volunteers […]

Have you ever wondered how your contributions to THON actually help kids with childhood cancer? THON volunteers and donors help provide services like pediatric oncology psychology support to children with cancer. Thanks to these services, kids can better deal with the hard feelings they experience on their cancer journey. Every donation improves patients’ quality of life and gives them benefits, like […]

Children’s art therapy is all about expressing big feelings through creativity. For kids facing tough challenges like cancer, art therapy can offer a powerful way for them to express themselves and cope with their emotions while they continue the fight. 

THON helps children and their families in the fight against childhood cancer by providing access to support features like music therapy, among other things. Every donation and volunteer plays a massive role in improving the quality of life Four Diamonds children at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Our board-certified music therapists offer emotional support through […]

When many people think of THON™, they think of the 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping, dance marathon that takes place in the Bryce Jordan Center every February. While THON Weekend is certainly the most anticipated event of the THON Year, volunteers, organizations, and supporters celebrate the magic of THON all year. Here is a look […]

One of the best ways to re-group during THON Weekend and take some time for yourself is to listen to music! Music can help refresh the mind, enhance touching moments of the weekend, and get you on your feet dancing! THON Weekend is filled with energy and intense emotion, so it’s important to have a playlist that can […]

Just like award shows or the Met Gala, THON has its own sense of style during the weekend. Whether you wear the same outfit or have a couple of costume changes throughout the 46 hours, it can be daunting to decide what to wear. Here are some ideas that keep the energy high, colors vibrant, and […]

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and the organization offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved, regardless of their experience, background, or interests. Whether you choose to join as a Committee Member (CM), Captain, or play a part through an organization, every position contributes to THON’s mission – supporting children and […]

By: Ben Barker, Julia Kix, Lillie Nye and Maura McFadden  As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, Penn State’s THON™ community has embraced a powerful initiative: The Dream Forward Campaign. One of its most meaningful components is the hair donation drive, which takes place during the 100 […]

Making an Impact: How to Get Involved with THON™ 

The McKenna Speed Family So…my kid has cancer I’ve been writing this in my head for months now, apparently it’s part of how I cope, just another fun fact about myself I am now figuring out. McKenna had been sick for weeks. It started with a short hospital stay for an intussusception meaning her small […]

The Colby Hoch Family

The Jonus We Family

The Dominique Bigler Family  

  The Colby Hoch Family  Colby was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in 1994 when he was 2 years 8 months old. It was a long 2 years of multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. The hospital was home for Colby and me as we were there more than home. His little […]

The Maddie Yohe Family Story  

The Kionne Reese Family Story

The Devin Pulaski Family Story

The William Sweger Family Story – Letter to Dancers 

Bio I actually started out as an engineering major but switched to graphic design after my freshman year. At the time, graphic design students had to submit portfolios, as only a limited number of students were accepted into the program. Thankfully, I was accepted in the first round. Working under Lanny and Kristen Sommese for […]

Bio I actually started out as an engineering major but switched to graphic design after my freshman year. At the time, graphic design students had to submit portfolios, as only a limited number of students were accepted into the program. Thankfully, I was accepted in the first round. Working under Lanny and Kristen Sommese for […]

Bio I actually started out as an engineering major but switched to graphic design after my freshman year. At the time, graphic design students had to submit portfolios, as only a limited number of students were accepted into the program. Thankfully, I was accepted in the first round. Working under Lanny and Kristen Sommese for […]

Bio I actually started out as an engineering major but switched to graphic design after my freshman year. At the time, graphic design students had to submit portfolios, as only a limited number of students were accepted into the program. Thankfully, I was accepted in the first round. Working under Lanny and Kristen Sommese for […]

THON Logo 2020 Winner Andrea Hinkle I’m now a Sr. UX/UI Designer leading a small team at an agency in Manhattan. I’m focused in e-commerce, specifically building intuitive, shoppable experiences for our clients to better their businesses. It’s been an adventure being in many different roles and companies throughout my career, and I’m now happily […]