Dear THON™ Supporters,
Since 1977, students at Penn State have taken a stand against childhood cancer by raising funds to support over 5,500 families at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. More than 16,500 student volunteers participate in the year-long fundraising efforts to benefit our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year marks 50-years of partnership. THON embarks on its 50th year of partnership with Four Diamonds, and has since raised more than $273 million. Each year, a community of over 16,500 student volunteers across 300+ organizations and 25,000 Penn State alumni work tirelessly to provide emotional support extending beyond the coverage of treatment costs. Our community creates a home for those impacted by childhood cancer and hope for a world where we dance in celebration for a cure
My name is Lauren Mellas, and I am honored to serve as the Executive Director for THON 2027. Too often, someone around you has their own personal connection to cancer and it feel all-consuming, like it’s taking over, but THON provides hope. THON makes me believe that one day, we will dance in celebration of a cure. I never thought find a cure was possible until THON Weekend 2023, my first THON Weekend. I was a first-year, out-of-state student on a first-year committee. I had never heard of THON until a friend down the hall encouraged me to apply. Little did I know that would be the best decision I ever made. Being in the BJC that weekend was magical. Each year my involvement and passion for this organization has grown. THON has given me a home at a school of over fifty thousand, my best friends, a purpose, and a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. It has given me more than I could have ever asked for. I am ready to give more back and I know that one day, we will find a cure for cancer because this community won’t stop until we do.
This community is powerful and shows up for our families day in and day out. Since 1973, we made strides in the fight against childhood cancer and have built upon the Millard’s legacy. But we’re not done yet and one day we’ll dance in celebration, until then we will dance for a cure.
For The Kids ®,
Lauren Mellas
THON 2027 Executive Director
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.
