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Region #18: University Park, PA

The Penn State Dance Marathon, known as "THON," has been successful as a student-run philanthropic organization for the past 35 years. This fundraiser offers a two-day dance marathon each February, when 700 dancers and supporters gather. THON has raised more than $46 million to help the fight against pediatric cancer. The proceeds from THON benefit The Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering Childhood Cancer at Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Click here to see a video clip.

Winning Regional Essay

"I would like to tell you about an event that has captured my heart and hopefully will capture yours as well. The students of Penn State have dedicated themselves to helping children with cancer through the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON to its participants. THON is the Largest Student-Run Philanthropy in the World and has donated more than $46 million to The Four Diamonds Fund since 1977. This year's event, held in February 2007, raised an astounding $5,240,385.17!"

"The Four Diamonds Fund provides financial and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The Fund was established in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard after their son, Christopher, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 14. The Millards wanted to establish a fund to assist families with their medical bills while fighting childhood cancer. They never expected the kind of enormous growth that has occurred since. The Four Diamonds Fund covers all of the medical expenses not covered by a family insurance, in addition to providing outstanding emotional support."

"While helping the families of The Four Diamonds Fund is THON's top priority, the money raised does so much more. THON recently fulfilled a pledge of $5 million that is being used as a research grant for the hospital. In the spring of 2004, THON committed $10 million over the course of the next six years to create a Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at the Children's Hospital. This pavilion will combine pediatric oncology services into one centralized location, meaning the patients and families will now be able to receive their care in one area of the hospital. These examples illustrate the commitment that THON has to The Four Diamonds Fund, striving to not only helping children fight cancer, but ultimately finding a cure for this terrible disease."

Madison's Story

"The diagnosis was Lymphoblastic Lymphoma — cancer. The day after our daughter Madison was admitted for treatment, our social worker asked us if we had heard of The Four Diamonds Fund. She told us that because of The Four Diamonds Fund we didn't need to worry about medical bills; we only needed to concentrate on getting Madison well again. It was at this time that I realized the money paying for our daughter's treatment had been raised by the Penn State students we had seen canning in the streets. It made me cry. Little did we know that even though our lives had changed because of something terrible, we were also about to be blessed with some incredible moments and experiences."

If They Won the $100,000 National Award ...

"The slogan of the Penn State Dance Marathon is "For The Kids" or "FTK". FTK represents the sole purpose of everyone who participates in THON, which is to do as much as possible For The Kids fighting cancer at Penn State Children's Hospital. Our dedicated student volunteers and proud donors know that the money THON raises for The Four Diamonds Fund has the power to make a difference during some of the most difficult times the children will face in their lives. THON's donations allow The Four Diamonds Fund to offset the cost of treatment that a family's insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that will disrupt the welfare of the child, such as car repairs, rent, and household utilities.

"In addition, THON's support has helped Penn State Children's Hospital to employ a world-class team of professionals who are dedicated to the well-being of the children.THON would contribute every penny of the $100,000 from the contest to The Four Diamonds Fund so that the children and their families can continue to reap the benefits of superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. We ask that you join us in our efforts to do as much as possible" For The Kids" by voting for the Penn State Dance Marathon. Together, we can make a difference in the life of a child."

Mission Statement

The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and staff of The Four Diamonds Fund.

THON is fundraising over a year-long effort involving thousands of students and culminating in a challenging, two day, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon.

THON is changing the lives of students and children, reinforcing the importance of caring for one another, and inspiring the determination needed to beat cancer.

THON is helping to conquer pediatric cancer through strategic investments in hospital bills, research efforts and a new family-centered Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at the Penn State Children's Hospital.