Make a difference in the life of a child. 

My THON journey began in 2014 during the Spring semester of my Junior year, when I attended my very first THON in Happy Valley in late-February. I knew only bits and pieces of what it was back then, a Penn State Dance event which supported the critical research to understand and defeat pediatric cancer. What I didn't know is, after 36-hrs of dancing in the stands, I was supporting our Penn State Behrend THON child with not only cheering, and dancing, but actual sweat and tears (..And this wasn't even the 46-hrs!). My most vivid memory was witnessing our THON Dancers interacting with the THON children in the BJC, for 46-hours giving everything they had for the sake of these children. It was nothing like I had ever seen before. From that day forward, I knew my job as a student wasn't complete and was only just the beginning. Since then, supporting this great cause has been very meaningful to me, because there are children out there who need us to fight for them in whichever way we can.

Well, how could I? I'm no dancer, I thought.... but, one thing is for sure, I've always enjoyed video games! It's hands down, my favorite hobby, and at the time I thought, that's never going to change. Fast forward to 2020, before the pandemic, the 1st Annual PSU Game-A-THON Benefiting THON livestream took place in my apartment with 3-4 others, and a Nintendo 64 console, some cameras and nothing but time. Over the course of 24-hrs, with the support of our friends, family, and co-workers, we raised just shy of $1500!! 

This event is the result of a combination of being compelled to make a difference and using my favorite hobby to do so. I'm very proud, and happy, to introduce the 5th Annual PSU Game-A-THON!!! This is hands down the best way that my friends and I know how to support families and children who face the challenges of pediatric cancer, and we plan to continue this event for the years to come.

Join us in our commitment to turn childhood dreams into reality by supporting THONTM. This year we are taking action by joining THON™ Nation and uniting with 16,500 student volunteers and over 25,000 alumni supporters in the fight against childhood cancer. THON's year-long efforts culminate in a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon each February to celebrate our survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and take a stand--all in hopes of one day dancing in celebration of a cure.

Since 1977, THON has raised over $180 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital, providing comprehensive care for 4,000 families and funding critical research to take this fight beyond central Pennsylvania and spread hope around the world. THON's mission is to provide both financial and emotional support for our families, ensuring that they never have to face cancer alone.

Thank you for reading, and be sure to tune in 2024 on February 16th, @ 6pm!