Penn State THON, the world’s enormous student-run philanthropy that delivers yearlong financial and emotional aid to families impacted by preadolescence cancer, has raised an all-time annual delight of $13.75 Million at the culmination of the association’s 50th-anniversary 46-hour dance marathon. THON’s fundraising measures benefit its sole beneficiary Four Diamonds, a national nonprofit gift fund that covers cent percent of all medical expenses for families experiencing childhood cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and helps a robust cancer research program at Penn State College of Medicine.
In its 50th year, THON has expanded more than 200 million dollars to fund critical cancer research and provide extensive care and support for Four Diamonds families. The theme of THON 2022 was “Spark Endless Light” and saw the annual no sleeping or sitting dance marathon return in-person to the Bryce Jordan Center effectively. This year, there were over six hundred dancers who took a 46-hour rostrum in the fight against childhood cancer. Recording artists, Chelsea Cutler and Bea Miller headlined Friday and Saturday night performances, sponsored by PNC, and LA Rams Super Bowl Champion and Penn State alum Nick Scott also made jaw-dropping appearances during THON Weekend 2022.
Kate Colgan, Executive Director of THON 2022 shares, “Reflecting back over 50 years, we are so proud to see how far THON has come and how college students can impact change when we come together. “
What started out as an event organized by 78 Penn State students has grown into over 16,500 student volunteers and $200 million total raised for families facing childhood cancer. As a result of volunteers and supporters, THON is now $13,756,374.50 closer to the day they dance in celebration of a cure.
THON was established by Penn State students in 1973, and over the years has grown into the globe’s immense and infamous student-run philanthropy. Founded by Charles and Irma Millard immediately after their son Christopher died of childhood cancer 50 years ago, Four Diamonds has partnered with THON since 1977. Together, THON and Four Diamonds have supported more than 4,800 families experiencing childhood cancer by covering 100 percent of all medical expenditures, provided vast and extensive specialty care services at no cost to Four Diamonds patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, and provided funding to create a multifarious cancer research program through the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine.
Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds said, “The Four Diamonds and THON community are united in our efforts “For The Kids” and we will not stop fighting until there’s a cure for pediatric cancer. These past few years have proven just how adaptive and resilient THON and Four Diamonds are. Through our desire to evolve the ways in which we fundraise, we have been able to deliver our highest total ever. We understand it takes a special kind of passion and spirit to achieve this level of success, and we are so grateful to THON for what they make possible for our families.”
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