Why We THON
The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is to conquer pediatric cancer through outstanding emotional and financial support to the childrens, families, researchers, and staff of the Four Diamonds located at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world reaching more 15,000 student volunteers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since its inception THON is year-long fundraising effort that culminates in a 46-hour no sleeping or sitting dance marathon. THON has raised over $88 million since its inception. THON Weekend will occur February 15-17, 2013 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Penn State Abington has been blessed with two wonderful Four Diamonds families that we have "adopted": The Chapman Family and The Getz Family.
Gabrielle Chapman was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a brain tumor at the base
of her cerebellum, when she was only two years old. The Chapman
family spent months at Gabby’s side as she fought for her life,
undergoing a rigorous form of chemotherapy, brain surgery, and her own stem cell transplant. After that, Gabby spent another three to four months of follow-up and being confined away from people because of germs. Six years later, Gabby’s
cancer is now in remission, and her parents credit THON with saving
their daughter’s life. Gabby is now a healthy nine-year old that loves One Direction and her THON "brothers and sisters"!
Heidi Getz was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia in August 1987 at the age of four. Her first THON weekend was in 1988, but she was only able to attend for one day. Heidi went into remission in 1989, but she continued going to THON every year until 2001, seeing the progression from the White Building to Rec Hall. 2009 was Heidi's first THON in the Bryce Jordan Center. Heidi is now a healthy 30-year old who pans to go back to school sometime in the next year or two to finish her Art degree and continue on to receive a Psychology degree. Long term, Heidi would like to become an Art Therapist/Child Life Specialist and work with children in a hospital. Heidi likes to spend her free time reading, doing crafts, and watching Japanese anime, Doctor Who, Torchwood and Disney movies.
Your Support is Greatly Appreciated
The Four Diamonds provides the ability to offset the costs of cancer treatment not covered by insurance, taking the pressure off the families. Additionally, the Four Diamonds hires world-class medical specialists as part of its cancer-fighting team, including child life specialists, and clinical nutritionists. The Four Diamonds has also established multiple research endowments that impact children across the nation, including a research program that will allow for Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, bringing us one step closer to a cure. It is this type of care and research that has ranked Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital one of the best in the country for cancer care by the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospital Rankings. Thanks to THON’s donors, we are making a difference in the lives of children and families, taking more steps towards a cure! For The Kids!
Abington has been given the opportunity to have gift-wrapping events and local Barnes & Noble stores! We will have a table at these stores where we will gift wrap people's purchased gifts for free and accept donations from whoever is willing to give. We would love to see you there supporting us if you are available! The dates and times are as follows:
Friday, November 30; 5pm-11pm (Willow Grove)
Saturday, December 1; 10am-10pm (Jenkintown)
Thursday, December 13; 4pm-10pm (Willow Grove)
Sunday, December 23; 10am-4pm (Willow Grove)