THON 2013: Inspire Tomorrow's Miracles
Written by Holly Swanson
For nearly 40 years, Penn
State students have participated in the Penn State IFC/
Panhellenic Dance Marathon
(or simply THON, if you don’t
want to get looked at funny).
What started as a friendly
competition of both endurance and moves back in the
early 1970s has evolved into
the World’s largest student
run philanthropy, culminating
in a weekend long, no-sitting,
no-sleeping event, all to support children who are battling
back against cancer and their
families who are right by
their side.
Through year-round
fundraising efforts, THON
students have raised more
than $89 Million ($10.6
Million last year alone!) all
to support children and their families who are living with pediatric
cancer.
More specifically, THON directly supports The Four Diamonds
Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds was
co-founded in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard after the death of
their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of
11. The Fund is named after a story that Christopher wrote shortly
before he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 14.
Inspire Tomorrow’s Miracles is the theme for THON 2013, which
will take place inside the Bryce Jordan Center beginning the evening
of Friday, February 15 th and ending the afternoon of Sunday,
February 17th.
The 2013 theme was chosen by the THON Overall Committee earlier in the school year to embody the visions and goals for THON 2013 and for years to come. This theme signifies an innovative and inspiring future ahead for Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON.
Where To Stay:
The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center
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