Life at the Speed of Sound

ephemeralschism:

Hello everyone!

This Friday, 17 February 2012, something amazing begins- Penn State University’s 46 hour, no sleeping, no sitting, dance marathon (affectionately known as THON)! Don’t know about THON? Not to worry! I’m here to explain:

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world dedicated to raising money for the fight against pediatric cancer! For the entire school year, we, the students of Penn State, spend long hours raising money and awareness; it culminates in a 46-hour marathon of dance and love and support. 

The money we raise goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Children’s Hospital. This money “offsets the cost of medical treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may disrupt the welfare of the child, such as: car repairs, rent, gas, or household utilities. It also supports the medical team that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute” (taken from the THON website). 

THON is about more than the money though; it is about providing a sense of community and support for families and kids who are struggling through a battle no child should ever have to fight. For one weekend, THON families can come to the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State and have fun. Kids can forget about treatment and hospitals and needles and losing their hair and be kids again. Parents can find support in other parents experiencing their same struggle. And we as students can be inspired and hopefully inspire others.

This coming Friday, at 6:00pm EST, I will stand up with over 700 of my peers as one of Penn State’s Dancers. For 46 hours I will not sit, I will not sleep, I will not stop.  

Last year, we raised over $9.56 million. This year, we will raise more. 

“One day we will dance in celebration. Until then, we dance for a cure.”

If you want to donate, or you just want to learn more about THON, please visit the website at www.THON.org. 

Thank you!

Encore, par coeur.