Over the past 35 years, the students of THON have raised more than $41 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer.

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON)! THON is a year round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering Childhood Cancer, at the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey, PA. The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, two day dance marathon held every February. Over the past 35 years, the students of THON have raised more than $41 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer.

During THON weekend, 700 students and thousands of supporters come together in the hopes of one day finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Whether standing for two days as a dancer, entertaining the crowd, taking care of the facility, or even standing in the bleachers, every person at THON plays a small part in creating an amazing atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding. This atmosphere inspires the students to fundraise throughout the year and tells the families of The Four Diamonds Fund that they have the care and support they need. This collective effort, involving over 10,000 students, has become one of Penn State's greatest and most unifying traditions.

The Mission of the Penn State Dance Marathon

The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and staff of The Four Diamonds Fund.

Together we will find a cure.

    In an attempt to rebuild its image, the Interfraternity Council started Dance Marathon in 1973. At the time THON was a competition that split proceeds between the dancing winners and a charity of the year. Right around the same time, an organization called The Four Diamonds Fund was starting in Hershey, PA with the aim of helping all children who were diagnosed with cancer at the Penn State Children’s Hospital. In 1977, with the competition aspect of THON on its way out, THON donated to this little known fund. In 1978 the partnership with The Four Diamonds Fund was made permanent; the rest, as they say, is history. To read more about the first five years, click here.

    In 1979, changes were made that still have impact today. That year, the first annual Kick-Off Dinner was held to open the fundraising season. Also that year, THON moved to the White Building to meet ever-increasing demands on space. It wouldn’t be until 1999 that THON outgrew the White Building and moved to Rec Hall, where it is still held today. In 1983, THON broke the six figure mark by raising $131,000. This growth, coupled with event changes over the next few years, helped create the THON we know today. The THON line dance was introduced, the first Family Carnival took place, and THON weekend kept on growing. Best of all, the money being raised was making a difference; in the history of the Four Diamonds Fund, pediatric cancer survival rates have gone from around 30% up to 80 or 90% in some cancers.

    The ‘90s had big changes in store for THON. In 1992, White Building shook with applause when the total was announced ­ over one million dollars. By 1999, THON had again outgrown its home and was moved to Rec Hall. Also in 1999, the students of THON pledged $5 million over the next 5 years to endow pediatric cancer research at Hershey. In the years that followed, the 2 and 3 million dollar marks were passed. In the spring of 2004, THON agreed to pledge $10 million over the next 6 years to create a new Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at the Penn State Children’s Hospital, promising to revolutionize family-centered care for the families of The Four Diamonds Fund. THON 2005 shattered records, raising $4,122,483.65 for The Four Diamonds Fund. For 2007, THON is once again on the move, this time to the Bryce Jordan Center. Read more about the history of THON here.

Important Facts

Milestones