People coming together for help makes for a heartwarming sight. There are millions out there who need our help, and most of the time, we couldn’t be bothered. Then, there are instances where people actually do care.
This story is especially touching because it helps the little ones who have been afflicted with cancer. Kind-hearted individuals who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy for the good of others should be used as an example to inspire the rest of the world.
Students at Penn State University were able to raise a total of $15 million. This was done during their annual 46-hour ‘no sleeping or sitting’ dance marathon.
The amount collected set an all-time record high for them. The money will go to Four Diamonds, which is a national nonprofit fund that covers 100 percent of all medical expenses for families that have kids going through childhood cancer and are confined at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
The event itself was called THON. This is a dance party that is the world’s largest student-run and led philanthropy program. The event provides year-round financial and emotional aid to families that have to deal with childhood cancer, which is already something that’s challenging and painful to go through.
THON 2023 marked the 51st year of fundraising for the Four Diamonds program and this partnership that started 1977. Since then, many have benefit from the good graces of the organizers. As for the nonprofit itself, it was founded by Charles and Irma Millard when their son Christopher was diagnosed with pediatric cancer and passed away from it.
This year, there were more than 707 dancers who have participated in the organization’s iconic dance marathon. The event started on Friday evening, Feb. 17 and ran nonstop. It ended only 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The place was packed with more than 16,000 student volunteers.
Lily Pevoto, Executive Director of THON 2023 shared the experience and said, “To us, ‘For the Kids’ is so much more than just a mantra. It’s the mission that drives us in our relentless pursuit to hope, support, and care for children and families.”
“I would like to thank all those who donated, volunteered, and ultimately joined us in our effort to dance for a cure and continue to make breaking records part of our tradition,” she added.
For around half a century, the partnership was able to take care of all medical expenses for the children in the hospital, including comprehensive specialty care. Over 4,800 families have already benefited from it.
The fundraising efforts made a large contribution to the school’s extensive cancer research programs.
Lily Pevoto, Executive Director of THON 2023 shared the experience and said, “To us, ‘For the Kids’ is so much more than just a mantra. It’s the mission that drives us in our relentless pursuit to hope, support, and care for children and families.”
“I would like to thank all those who donated, volunteered, and ultimately joined us in our effort to dance for a cure and continue to make breaking records part of our tradition,” she added.
For around half a century, the partnership was able to take care of all medical expenses for the children in the hospital, including comprehensive specialty care. Over 4,800 families have already benefited from it.
The fundraising efforts made a large contribution to the school’s extensive cancer research programs.
“Together we remain steadfast in our unwavering pursuit to find a cure for all forms of pediatric cancer,” said Suzanne Graney. She is currently the executive director of Four Diamonds.
“We are always amazed (and) will never stop fundraising, dancing, and fighting for a cure, no matter how long it takes.”
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