Director’s Message

Dear THON™ Supporters,

THON is defined by support – for volunteers, spectators, dancers, and most importantly, families. From the simplest acts like a volunteer placing a child on their shoulders to the immeasurable impact of the words of a family speaker that help a dancer through their last few hours on their feet, THON is powered by the love we show for one another. Since 1977, students at Penn State have taken a stand against childhood cancer by raising funds to directly support over 4,800 families at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The love that our 16,500 student-volunteers feel for our mission has brought us to the milestone of over $250 million raised in pursuit of a cure.

My name is Ben Roitman, and I am honored to be serving as the Executive Director for THON 2026. Like many other first-year students, I found myself lost as I tried to acclimate to a big school. I found my home in THON, alongside students of all ages dedicated to providing magical moments to families battling childhood cancer and building hope through funding for research with a global impact. I know that a cure for cancer will one day be found because a community of students at Penn State will stop at nothing to support our families. Thousands of students to come after my time at school will dance until we are dancing in celebration of a cure. The impact of THON’s support extends far beyond the financial: equally important as copays covered are dreams come true. THON creates moments where kids can be superheroes, performers, athletes, and most importantly, kids.

Our community has taken many steps in the fight against childhood cancer, building on the great legacy of the Millard’s. The story of our fight is incomplete and will be furthered through the love we give to each other and our families. While we do not know which dollar will be the one to fund the cure for childhood cancer, we will not rest until we raise it.

For The Kids ®, 

Ben Roitman 

THON 2026 Executive Director