The impact of THON™ spreads farther than the kids, relationships, and research that are supported year-round in pursuit of a cure. THON is also a cherished family tradition. The Helmer family is one example of the generations of THON volunteers passing the baton to keep the magic growing.
Jill Helmer, class of 1992, and Devon Helmer, class of 2027, both dedicated their time at Penn State to THON. Jill was on the overall Public Relations committee, where she produced the THON magazine, now known as the Diamond Guide, and danced in THON Weekend. Jill’s senior year was the first year that THON raised $1 million! Her love for THON continued when she returned to Penn State for her graduate school education, where she worked for the Office of Greek Life. She partnered with Children’s Miracle Network and helped start dance marathons at four other colleges, which helped spark the spread of THON nationwide.
Devon is currently a junior at Penn State studying Public Relations. She is also a Public Relations captain for THON 2026 and serves as the Macro-Influencer Outreach Liaison. Devon works to engage high profile stakeholders and gain new audiences to amplify THON’s mission. Devon connected with 10 NFL players to highlight THON through My Cause, My Cleats! She also secures cameos and appearances for THON Weekend, as well as encouraging stakeholders to spread THON’s mission.
The Helmer family has stayed involved in THON since both Devon’s parents went to Penn State. Her mom knows the impact that THON has on the families, but also on the volunteers. When Devon attended THON Weekend as a junior in high school, she knew she needed to go to Penn State and be a part of it all. Devon said, “I came to this school to be involved in THON, and I could not imagine my experience without it.”
Through Jill’s consistent support over the years, she has seen THON grow from filled stands in the White Building to maximum capacity at the Bryce Jordan Center. Although THON has changed its location over the years, the heart and passion has only amplified. Jill says, “it has become a whole campus experience.”
Jill still remembers sitting down after dancing in THON 1992. 33 years after dancing, Jill and her husband stood on the floor with their daughter Devon, taking it in with the next generation of THON.
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.
