Phi Gamma Nu

Join us on February 21, 2025

Help PGN make a difference in the life of a child today

Help save the lives of children battling cancer by supporting THON. Phi Gamma Nu is taking action by uniting with 16,500 student volunteers to raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised over $204 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Throughout our partnership, we have ensured that over 4,800 families have not seen a single medical bill. In addition, the local research that is being done is making a global impact so that one day, we will find a cure. Each February, THON's yearlong efforts and support for the families culminate in a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. By supporting THON, you will be joining a community committed to conquering childhood cancer. Just last year PGN raised more than $220,000 all FTK. Our four amazing families mean so much to us, and we appreciate any all support to show them our love. We THON so we can one day dance in celebration of a cure!

Our Families

The Akrights

Nick was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 7, and after three years of chemotherapy, he ended up beating pediatric cancer. Unfortunately, Nick passed away in the early 2000s from the after effects of battling cancer, including bi-polar disorder. This disorder is thought to be a possible side effect of the years of steroids to build up good cells so more cancer cells can be eliminated. At the age of 18, Nick took his own life while on the phone with his father. Cara (mother) and Ashley (sister) have always been and continued to be heavily involved with PGN. Ashley was president of PGN and was one of our dancers during her time here at Penn State (2006-2010). During her time as president, Ashley knew that Alex Miller wanted to one day be in PGN so she made hanges to the bylaws so that when Alex joined PGN he could be a part of a pledge class. PGN is beyond thankful for the support of Ashley as we forever to continue to honor Nick.

The Eichelbergers

Jaxon Eichelberger was twenty months old when he was diagnosed with b-cell leukemia on March 16th, 2020, the day everything in PA closed for COVID-19. He finished up his last round of treatments in July 2022 and officially rang the bell on New Year's Eve 2022. Kayla (mom) was 36-weeks pregnant with Riley (sister) when he was diagnosed. She had Riled in Hershey while Jaxon admitted with bacterial meningitis. Paired with us since 2021, the Eichelbergers have been super excited to get involved with PGN and THON. Chapter members cherish every opportunity given to spend time with the two young children and show them what being a part of the PGN family is all about!

The Millers

When Alex was 11 months old, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Within a few days of treatment his family was contacted by a Four Diamonds counselor. He continued treatments until he was 3 years old and entered remission at 4 years old. The family was paired with PGN in 2000. Alex grew up to become a brother in Phi Gamma Nu since the fall of his freshman year. He served as a THON Morale Chair for PGN during his junior year. Alex also danced for PGN in THON 2020 and is currently an alumni. Jackie (mother) is another vital supporter of PGN THON as she reminds all members of the true impact they are making in the lives of so many families who stories vary from her own.

The Shapiros

Maya was diagnosed with Myeloid Leukemia with a FLT3+ abnormality in January of 2018 when she was 16 years old. With this diagnosis, Maya's family was told that she had a 1 in 3 million chance of being cured. By August of 2018, Maya was released from hospital, but she still had to go back multiple times a week for check-ups. Maya was told she was cancer free in September of 2018, and is now in remission. It was discovered that if Maya did not find out that she had Leukemia when she did, she would have passed away within a week. Maya's older brother, Kenny, become a brother in 2021 and had an opportunity to dance in THON 2023 while his sister was right by his side cheering him on.