2023 Penn State THON Raises Record $15 Million for Childhood Cancer – NBC10 Philadelphia

Annual THON at Pennsylvania State University raised a record $15,006,132.46 this weekend for families affected by childhood cancer.

The 46-hour dance marathon began Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center at Pennsylvania State University and ended at 4:00 pm Sunday. More than 700 student dancers remained standing for the entire marathon, while others participated in parts of the event from the stands.

THON is the world’s largest student-run charity, with over 16,500 student volunteers.All money collected by students will be donated four diamondsis a national charity that covers all medical expenses for families with childhood cancer at the Pennsylvania State Health and Children’s Hospital and funds cancer research programs at the Pennsylvania State Medical College.

In its 51-year history, THON has raised $203 million to support Four Diamonds, helping more than 4,800 families experiencing childhood cancer.

“For us, ‘For the Kids®’ is more than just a mantra. It inspires us in our relentless pursuit of hope, support and care for children and families experiencing childhood cancer. It’s the mission that drives us,” said Executive Director Lily Pevoto. She said in a THON 2023 news release.

Throughout the weekend, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and UFC middleweight and Penn State alum Bo Nikall stopped by to cheer on the student volunteers. Recording artist Natasha Bedingfield and DJ/producer Wethan also delivered surprise performances. bottom.

Pennsylvania State University-Montgomery County native Michael de Botton is one of the dancers who stepped in for 46 hours this weekend. Having been involved with THON since his freshman year, he said being selected as an official dancer in 2023 was the perfect culmination of his college experience.

De Botton described the Bryce Jordan Center environment as “surreal”. He said the most impactful part of the weekend was getting to know Keon, a childhood cancer patient he paired with over the THON weekend.

The energy of the crowd was incredible when record-breaking totals were announced at the end of the weekend, De Botton said. set a previous funding record.

“Tone is a magical weekend,” says De Botton, who hopes Penn State will be remembered not for scandal or controversy, but for hosting the world’s largest student-led charity.

“For decades, THON and Four Diamonds have united in the fight against childhood cancer.It always amazes me how supportive our community is when it comes to helping families. We will never stop fundraising, dancing and fighting for a cure, no matter how long it takes,” said Four Diamond Executive Director Suzanne Granny.