Phi Chi Theta

Join us on February 19, 2021

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Make a difference in the life of a child

Help save the lives of children battling cancer by supporting THONTM. Our organization, Phi Chi Theta, is taking action by uniting with 16,500 student volunteers to raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. Since 1977, THONTM has raised over $180 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. Throughout our partnership, we have ensured that over 4,000 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.
 
 

Phi Chi Theta's 7 dancers for THON 2021 :)

Phi Chi Theta is a Penn State organization that participates in THON, in addition to our organization's primary purpose. Since 2005, Phi Chi Theta has collectively raised over $1 million all For The Kids™. Our brotherhood works year-round to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer, and provide love and support for our three amazing Four Diamonds Families. Throughout the year, Organizations contribute to the efforts of thousands of Penn State students across all campuses by facilitating fundraisers, as well as providing emotional support to Four Diamonds Families. Phi Chi Theta is blessed to be paired with the Savion Atterberry Family, the Jackie Mazur Family, and the Leiland Smith Family.

 

 

The Savion Atterberry Family 

The first THON child with whom PCT has been blessed to be paired with is Savion Atterberry. A very spunky kid with a whole lot of energy, Savi loved playing video games with his older brother Juwaun, riding bikes with Poppy, and watching his dog Dodge be crazy. From York, PA, Savi lived with his older brother Juwaun, his Mom, Angie, and his grandparents, Robert and Lucille Atterberry. Savi attended his first THON when he was just a toddler, and has been in love ever since. He especially enjoyed the year when PCT's theme was his favorite cartoon characters, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Over the years, PCT and Savi have created a great friendship through routine visits and having a blast at THON as he and the Atterberry's became a valued part of the Phi Chi Theta family.

On January 17, 2016 at the age of ten, the Lord's angels came and gave Savion Atterberry his wings. A brave and courageous fighter through thick and thin, we remember Savi for what an amazing person he was. Often sick and in the hospital, Savi held fast to his tremendous empathy for others. When his aunt's house had caught fire, from the hospital bed he did everything he could to comfort her and make sure that she was alright. Another time when his cousin was in the hospital, he provided words of encouragement to help make her feel better. PCT has a great relationship with the Atterberry's to this day. It's on weekly phone calls with Angie and visits to York several times a year that we get to hear these amazing stories about our little superhero. PCT could not be more thankful to have the Atterberry's as a part of our family, and look forward continuing this relationship indefinitely in the future. Fly high Savion.

 

The Jackie Mazur Family 

The Four Diamonds Family that PCT has been paired with the longest is the Mazur's. In November of 2005 while attending Wilkes Univesity, Jackie was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. However, this setback did not get Jackie down. In her words it was a "gift in disguise" as Jackie was introduced to Penn State, the Four Diamonds, and found her passion for nursing. Wanting to be a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatric oncology, Jackie then transferred to Penn State. Jackie became a brother of ours in Phi Chi Theta while at Penn State.

Having been deemed cancer-free in November 2006, Jackie was even more determined to beat cancer when six months later she was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2010 at the age of twenty-three, Jackie passed away. She was loved by her friends and family and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Jackie is very missed and will be forever in our hearts.

 

The Leiland Smith Family

The newest member of the PCT family is Leiland Smith. PCT was lucky enough to be paired with the Smith family in November 2016 and have been watching Leiland grow up ever since. Leiland was born on February 9, 2015, and was diagnosed with LCH, a rare form of cancer, shortly after he was born. However, that hasn't stopped our little guy from being a tremendous fighter! Leiland loves Penn State football as well as hanging out with his mom, Logan. Leiland rang the remission bell in the Summer of 2018 and a group of PCT brothers were fortunate enough to watch alongside Leiland’s family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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