Growing up is a beautiful thing, let's fight for it!

Memories from THON 2004.

Since 2001, Springfield has been a trailblazer in the THON community with hundreds of volunteers united for a single purpose: defeating childhood cancer. With the most dedicated volunteers and alumni in the THON community, we have grown over twenty years to raise a cumulative two million dollars for pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Springfield’s alumni prove everyday that “A Springfielder’s true strength is in the Springfielder standing next to them.” Their legacy and constant support empower our current members, allowing Springfield to be one of the top SIO (Special Interest Organization) fundraisers year after year. We are because they were and everyday we are thankful for the ability to carry on the incredible work they have done.

Memories from THON 2006 and THON 2007.

Today, Springfield benefitting THON is an SIO made up of 100+ Penn State students dedicated to supporting families faced with pediatric cancer. Springfield currently supports four families: the Colons, the Robertsons, the Schopfs, and the Silbaughs. These four families are at the center of everything Springfield does, and, while each is at a different point in their journeys with pediatric cancer, we are all one family in it together. Our families inspire us through their persistence, courage, and strength, and fuel our passion to find a cure. From our first paired families - the Baylors and the Wesleys - to our most recent families the connections we make with our families are strong and lifelong.

Memories from THON 2011 to THON 2016.

Every gift donated to THON is put to great use. $500,000 is the average cost of treatment for a child with cancer. $40,000 is the average cost per day spent at the hospital. $10,000 is the average cost of cancer treatment drugs per month. These numbers are large and intimidating, but THON ensures families will never see a bill for any of these costs. Here are some of the ways your donation can help:

• $25 covers one hour of music therapy 
• $60 covers one hour of Child Life Coverage
• $150 covers one day of outpatient Leukemia treatment
• $750 covers one experiment in search of a cure.

Springfield's wonderful families!

Every donation made to THON makes a positive impact on a child’s life and brings us one step closer to finding a cure. As alumni, you have seen firsthand how beneficial these funds are for fighting for a child’s survival, a family’s ease of mind, and a happy childhood. Spartans, join us again on the battlefield as we fight for the day when no parent has to hear the words "your child has cancer."

Memories from THON 2016 to THON 2019.

                                                A Brief History of Springfield

2001: On the Springfield floor of Simmons Hall, a group of friends decided to create the first SIO, Springfield, raised $6,500, and supported two dancers in THON 2001.

2002: Springfield expanded to include girls who lived in Simmons Hall and was paired with its first THON child, Amanda!

2003: Springfield added a family relations chair and raised over $25,000!

2004: Springfield was paired with the Seth Wesley Family and expanded its chair board even further!

2005: As Springfield’s board grew, so did their totals with $35,000 raised this year!

2006: Springfield was paired with the Xavier Colon Family and supported them as Xavier became Springfield’s angel in March 2006.

2007: Springfield was paired with the Kenzie Robertson Family and Xander Colon was born!

2008: Springfield was paired with the Renata Negley Family and doubled its previous fundraising total, passing the $100,000 mark for the first time!

2009: Springfield had 10 dancers in THON for the first time and Renata Negley finished her cancer treatments!

2010: Springfield raised its 500,000th dollar FTK and Jude Negley was born!

2011: Springfield raised over $200,000 for the first time and built an awesome playground for the Colon Family!

2012: Springfield raised its millionth dollar FTK and went to Shocktoberfest with the Colons for the first time!

2013: Springfield brought Kenzie to her first anime convention and moved weekly meetings to 10 Henderson!

2014: Springfield was paired with the Calli Silbaugh Family and broke its all-time fundraising record!

2015: Springfield’s fundraising total was its highest to date, and Springfielders celebrated and honored the life of Kathleen Robertson, who passed away in September 2014.

2016: Springfield moved its home to 233 HUB, chose a new logo, and dedicated a tree in memory of Kathleen Robertson.

2017: Springfield was paired with the Taiven Schopf Family, raised its 2-millionth dollar FTK, and was the highest earning Special Interest Organization!

2018: Calli Silbaugh was declared cancer free and DonorDrive went live as the first official online fundraising platform for THON!

2019: Calli and Taiven performed on stage during THON, and Springfield was the highest earning Special Interest Organization!

2020: Springfield had the highest per person fundraising total across all Special Interest Organizations, and Springfield co-founder Pat Seymour and his daughter visited Springfield in section 120 and on the floor during THON weekend!

2021: THON had its first virtual THON weekend due to COVID, and Springfield was the highest earning Special Interest Organization!