Each February the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON, fills the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park with 15,000 people for 46 hours. Last year the event raised more than $13 million to benefit the families of children with cancer. These are some of their stories.
More multimedia stories from THON
The backbone of the marathon
THON is not something that can be put together in one week. It takes months of planning, support, and advertising to make the weekend the biggest and the best event it can be. Hundreds of students help with different committees in the Public Relations department to spread the word about THON. Public relations captain Hunter Fraker explains what they do and how his department and the rest of the THON committees come together to make THON what it is..
~ by Tyler Gallagher
Sound Design
Will Baldwin is Monitor Engineer for BSI Productions, the company designing the sound for THON 2015. Baldwin helps keep wireless microphones running, and bands playing all through THON weekend.
~ by Megan Swiatkowski
Boredom: The Simplest Struggle
While dancers embarking on the task of not sitting or sleeping for 46 hours are surrounded by strong support systems, those in stands of the Bryce Jordan Center have to get creative when trying to stay entertained and engaged. Kerry Fitzpatrick, a senior in Zeta Tau Alpha, implores an array of activities in order to stay awake, energetic and enthusiastic.
~ by Zoe Shwidock
The gift that keeps on giving
Alex Vogul is part of the THON OPPerations committee. She helps maintain the cleanliness at the Bryce Jordan Center for the 46 hours of THON. Vogul volunteers because a family member of hers lost their battle to cancer.
~ by Samantha Lowe
Late arrival
Tabitha Pranke, a senior and marketing major at Penn State, finally has the opportunity to experience THON for the first time in here career at Penn State. After transferring from Penn State Harrisburg as a junior, Pranke never had the opportunity to witness the largest student run philanthropy ever. This weekend has been an emotional and exciting one for her.
~ by Lauren Ertl
The Bobbys: Back and better than ever
Amanda Bobby's son AJ is enjoying his first THON in five years cancer free. Throughout his illness the family told us the brothers of Theta Chi have helped boost their morale, taking AJ mattress surfing in their frat and letting him mercilessly squirt them with his water guns during his favorite day of the year- THON. Bobby explained to us how THON has been instrumental in keeping the family's spirits high and to the development of their three children the past few years.
~ by Shannon Ryan
Penning an encouraging word
Being a dancer at THON is a rewarding experience, but can be extremely tiring at times. Luis Ahumada, a member of the Special Events Committee, works at the Dancer Mail Station, which allows people to write to dancers who are down on the floor. The encouraging words from family and friends help dancers push through when their energy is running low.
~ by Brittany Misitano
Cub Grows Into Nittany Lion
Michael Palm seems like your average high senior. He recently accepted his offer to attend Penn State University this summer which was a dream he has had since he experienced his first THON 12 years ago. The Palm family heard about the Four Diamonds Fund when Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 6. Once a student at Penn State, he is excited to finally give back to the kids who have to go through everything he once did.
~ by Gabrielle Yocum
Someone to Lean on
Despite not being part of any THON group or committee, freshman Ryan Moran is dedicating his nights this weekend to one purpose: cheering up people at THON. Armed with a neon green "Free Hugs" sign, Moran does laps around the outer ring of the Bryce Jordan Center for 13 hours straight each night. He says he wanted to do something fun that would help cheer people up, and that during the long stretches of the marathon's late nights he figured there would be a lot of weary people.
~ by Nikki Cheshire