Whether you’re a Penn State alum, a family member, or a close friend, THON Nation will always be there to help you through your THON journey. THON Nation connects alumni, friends, and family to the largest student-run philanthropy in the world by sharing the experience within their own communities.
None of this would be possible without our THON Nation supporters, who ensure funding for critical research and help to spread THON’s mission across the globe. Fundraising through THON Nation allows supporters to grow through personal campaigns, tribute funds, and through fundraising pages on DonorDrive, all while being able to invite friends to their fundraisers.
Ed Schneider has his own story with THON Nation. On February 9th, McKenzie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). She then contracted RSV, a respiratory virus that harms the lungs. Around 2 weeks later, Mack passed away from complications from her cancer. Faith, family, and friends supported the Schneiders during this time, but Mack’s family knew there was something they could do to keep her spirit alive.
To honor Mack, the Schneiders held numerous fundraising events with live music, barbecues, and more. Almost 5 years ago, Mack Madness expanded to Mack Madness Benefitting THON, becoming an official THON org at Penn State. The organization has raised over $128,000 for THON!
“Mack was just leading the way every year with her spirit,” said Ed.
Ed is an advisor to the organization and has built many connections with students, other board members, and other Four Diamonds families. A THON memory that sticks out for Ed was when his daughter, Bria, danced in McKenzie’s memory, “-that was an incredible experience for her, for us,” he said. THON and THON Nation brought the Schneiders and the King family together. “We often say…I wish we never would have met, but at least we have each other to carry us along the way,” said Ed. The power THON Nation holds has given these two families support and encouragement, even under the worst circumstances.
The Schneiders love to support their dancers during THON Weekend and be there for them in any way they can, “-just to see what they do for McKenzie and our family, and all the Four Diamonds families, is just so special to us and our family…”
Blessing. Powerful. Impactful. THON Nation is these 3 words and so much more for Ed and the Schneider family. THON Nation allows people outside of Penn State, alumni, and others wanting to be a part of THON to show their support for this amazing cause. THON Nation allows donors to reach people from not just Penn State, not just the United States, but the world! THON Nation allows anyone to make DonorDrive pages, and those who support these fundraisers to participate and directly impact the lives of Four Diamonds families.
THON Nation not only supports the THON community and Four Diamonds families. For Ed, it “allows us to keep McKenzie’s spirit alive.”
It takes all of us to support one another and to spread the mission of THON across the world, and no step towards a cure is ever too small.
“No donation is too small, even a $5 donation…it can grow really quickly and have a huge impact on the Four Diamonds families,” said Ed. To make your own THON Nation page, click here and register today!
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.
