What THON is Really About. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What THON is Really About.

It's about much more than raising money for pediatric cancer.

14
What THON is Really About.
Max Petrosky

THON. Every Penn Stater since 1973 knows what THON is.

THON is Penn State's 46-hour no sitting, no sleep dance marathon held in February of every year. That's only the half of it though. THON is a year-long effort to raising funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. It's the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

But that's not all THON is about.

It's not all about the money. Yes, the money is a huge part of it. It's so the parents of the children affected never have to look at a hospital bill. It's so the parents can focus on their child. It's to help these children get better. It's to help find a cure so no parents have to ever hear the words, "your child has cancer."

But THON is so much more.

We THON to help bring smiles to these children's faces. We THON to take them to a happy place. We THON to take their minds off of what they are going through. We THON because every school day 43 children are diagnosed with cancer. We THON so that one day that number will be 0. We THON for those who we have lost and those who continue to fight. We THON so one day every cub can become a Nittany Lion. We THON for a cure.

Together since 1973, Penn State has raised $137,657,890.66. The money raised is donated to The Four Diamonds Fund, a charity devoted to defeating pediatric cancer through research and caring for patients at Penn State Hershey Children's hospital.

One day we will dance in celebration.. Until then we will dance for a cure.



http://www.thon.org/

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

555
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26638
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11124
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments