Written By: Alexis Lubart, Ryan Murphy, Justin Lejeune
On Sunday, December 7, the THON™ community came together to celebrate the THON Family Carnival and logo reveal. Throughout the afternoon, student volunteers across different organizations connected with FourDiamonds families through games, activities, and performances.
Leading up to the logo reveal, there was a pep rally where the cheerleaders and Nittany Lion performed. The Penn State® spirit was through the roof with the FTK signs facing the crowd. It was exciting to look back at the past as the Dancer Relations captains performed the THON 2025 Line Dance for all families, volunteers, and attendees. The passion throughout the room was truly remarkable.
The Willow Maurer family spoke about how much the THON community means to them and about their experiences with Four Diamonds. Additionally, the THON 2025-2026 Directors spoke and introduced themselves, their position, and expressed how grateful they are for this event and to see the amazing turn out. Getting to interact with families made this event so special, and seeing the kids look up to our volunteers and students made everyone’s day even brighter.
The 2026 THON Logo features two individuals on a paper airplane alongside the quote “Love Leads Forward”. Sharing love within the THON community is so important, whether it is spending time with families or helping your fellow committee members. Love helps us build strength, motivate change, and make everything surrounding THON possible. As stated on the Penn State THON official Instagram page, “Love will lead us forward until we are dancing in celebration of a cure”.
With nearly two months until THON Weekend 2026, the THON community is feeling the love. Katie Behler is a Rules and Regulations Captain, serving as Event Safety’s Event Coordinator and Committee Liaison. We asked about her experience at Family Carnival, and Katie said, “Seeing the children and families experience so much joy was the most beautiful thing to witness.” Getting the chance to see the THON 2026 Logo was a moment that will stay with her, “As the tarp dropped and the logo was revealed, my emotions came out of me, and the happy tears were flowing. This logo made me realize how lucky I am to be a part of this amazing organization, and it truly showed me a sign that I am right where I am supposed to be.” The THON Family Carnival brought student volunteers and THON families together, and a magical day was spent full of laughter and love.
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.
