By Allison Ginzburg, Jacob Deglin, Katelynn Bowers, Makayla Fickes
The THON™ 5K was a huge success thanks to the contribution of runners, Directors, Captains and volunteers! This event brought many members of the THON community together to raise awareness and support the fight against childhood cancer. Although runners and volunteers had personal reasons for participating, everyone had the same goal in mind: supporting Four Diamonds’ Families and Children impacted by childhood cancer.
It was so amazing to see everyone come together for such an important cause. Jack Ettinger, a Special Events Captain, explained one of his favorite parts of the THON 5K is “seeing the THON community come together, for the first time during the THON year.” Jack reminds us that THON is not just the one weekend in February, but a year-long effort to fight against childhood cancer.
Runner and PSU Club Roundnet member Abbie McCoy explained she is running for Four Diamonds Child, Dylan, Dylan’s family and for a cure. She also described the THON community as “a big family of people who want to find a cure for such a great cause.”
Similarly, Audrey Brenize, the THON 2027 Supply Logistics Director, shared that she participates in THON for the families, especially those who are not always seen at events or represented online. These different reasons show how THON brings people together through their shared desire to make a difference.
There were many important roles, all different, that contributed to ensuring the event ran smoothly. Audrey played a large part in the flow of the THON 5K. She contributed by selling raffle tickets and making balloon towers. In everything she did for the event, Audrey said her favorite part of the 5K was “seeing everybody super excited to take pictures in front of [the balloon towers] and just watch them all be posted…it’s really fun to see.” Although there were countless committees that weren’t interviewed, their contributions spanned across various different responsibilities and all helped piece the puzzle together for a fun and successful day.
The THON 5K ended as a huge success. There were many directors similar to Audrey, various captains like Jack and countless volunteers across all THON committees helping to bring the THON community together for a fun-filled day where people got to support the cause and express why they THON.
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.
