It was a night of smiles, excitement, and even a surprise performance as THON 2019 kicked off Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center.
At 6 p.m., 707 Penn State dancers stood and will remain standing for 46 hours at the Bryce Jordan Center, the culmination of year-round fundraising and support for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and the fight against pediatric cancer.
The theme for THON 2019 is ‘Shape the Moment,’ and dancers, organizations and Four Diamonds families came together to create an inspirational moment that will last throughout the weekend.
For children like Lydia Hess and her family, it is a moment to spend time with the Penn State students and alumni who have supported her financially and emotionally over the past five years. Lydia has been cancer-free for two years.
Lydia Hess shoots a water gun into the crowd during the early hours of THON 2019. Lydia has been a Four Diamonds child for five years and is now two years cancer-free. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com
Like Lydia, 7-year-old Whitney Gehman was joined on the Jordan Center floor by her family. Whitney has been a Four Diamonds child since 2015, when she was diagnosed with leukemia.
Whitney Gehman and her mom, Lindsay, enjoy the early hours of THON 2019. Whitney has been a Four Diamonds child since 2017, when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com.
For the third year in a row, THON was treated to a surprise performance by a major artist. At about 8 p.m., the lights dimmed, a countdown began and singer-songwriter Andy Grammer and his band took the stage for an hourlong set. Grammer performed hits such as ‘Fine by Me’ and ‘Good to Be Alive,’ as well as two Maroon 5 covers.
DNCE started the trend in 2017 and it continued last year with Misterwives.
Andy Grammer thrilled THON 2019 with a surprise performance on Friday night. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com.
Now in its 42nd year partnering with Four Diamonds, THON has raised $157 million. THON 2019 continues until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Check out more photos from Friday night at THON below.
