Cancer, especially in young children, is a horrifying and heartbreaking topic to talk about but Penn State is going head to head against cancer. Penn State and it’s THON (the largest student run philanthropy program in the world, yes the world), are raising millions of dollars every year to find a cure for cancer and to support families affected by this despicable disease. Thousands of students give up their weekends and travel all over the state of Pennsylvania to participate in “canning” to collect money for THON’s efforts.
THON was initiated in 1973 by a group of Penn State students who wanted to make a difference and fight cancer. The first dance marathon had only 39 dancers and raised around two thousand dollars. It is extraordinary how far THON has come since its humble beginnings. THON has raised close to eighty million dollars for the fight against cancer. In addition thousands of Penn State students participated in the 48 hour dance marathon.
THON is set to occur in just a short time in the Bryce Jordan Center, the annual THON event will consist of a 48 hour dance marathon in order to raise large amounts of money for children and their families that are affected by cancer. THON will take place on the weekend of February 17th to the 19th in the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State’s THON has inspired high schools across the country to hold mini THONs in order to raise money for research into the curing of cancer.
Activities like THON make me proud to be a Penn Stater. THON demonstrates the fact that Penn State students are not all about themselves and are willing to sacrifice their time and talents in order to fight for a cure to cancer. With all the money THON raises, we can be more optimistic every day that one day the evil of cancer will be eradicated from this planet and no longer will families have to sacrifice to pay for painful and risky treatments that might not even work for their loved ones.
For more info and how to donate check out: http://www.thon.org/whatisthon
I'm really interested in seeing how THON plays out this year. I hope it sees record numbers in money and turnout, this is what being a Penn State student is about; helping out the community and giving back to those around the area. Only one more week before the dancing against pediatric cancer begins!
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