THON 2026 began at 6 p.m. Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center as more than 700 Penn State student dancers and thousands of supporters stood to begin the 46-hour dance marathon benefiting pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the no-sitting, no-sleeping challenge that represents the culmination of year-round efforts to raise funds and provide support for Four Diamonds families at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Moments after dancers stood, they were taught and performed the first line dance of the weekend, a long-standing THON tradition that highlights the year’s events, themes and shared experiences.
Speaking Friday afternoon, THON 2026 Public Relations Director Vraj Patel outlined the theme of “Love Leads Forward” and mission for the year.
“We are proud to have love lead us forward for our families, volunteers and supporters, where people have the freedom to dream, inspire and incite passion for a future about childhood cancer alongside our sole beneficiary Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital,” Patel said.
“This year’s celebration serves as hope for a better, brighter future filled with stories of our families, volunteers and supporters reaching important milestones in their life.”
THON 2026 Executive Director Ben Roitman detailed fundraising efforts that began July 1, 2025, at the start of the 2026 fiscal year. Events included the THON football game in September, the THON 5K in October and the Dream Forward campaign, which raised more than $2 million, the first time the two-and-a-half week fundraising drive surpassed that mark. The total was revealed at the 100 Days ’til THON celebration.
“One thing that is hopefully going to be felt throughout the Bryce Jordan Center this year that’s a little more fun and unique is our theme hours are going to be a much more engaging, whole-arena experience. Our entertainment and dancer relations committees have poured a lot of effort into that, to make those more uplifting,” Roitman said. “One of the things we recognized is it’s obviously a very taxing weekend for the dancers, but spectators spend a lot of time of the weekend in the stands, too. And they’re taking as much of a stand against childhood cancer as those on the floor, so we wanted to do a better job of supporting them.”
Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds, reflected on the 49-year partnership between THON and her organization and advancements in pediatric cancer care.
Since it became THON’s sole beneficiary in 1977, Four Diamonds has ensured that more than 4,800 families battling pediatric cancer at Penn State Hershey Medical Center never receive a bill, while supporting care, support and research programs.
“This is our 49th year of partnership between THON and Four Diamonds, and there have been significant strides made during that time,” Graney said. “Survival rates have increased, which is fantastic. New treatments have been discovered and able to be put into our children’s lives to extend their lives and to make their lives better. But we still have work to do, and that’s why we’re here and will continue to be here until we have a time where we, as we like to say, dance in celebration because we found a cure.”
The Four Diamonds was founded by the late Charles and Irma Millard, whose son Christopher wrote a story of bravery by the same name during his battle with cancer. Since Charles Millard’s death in 2021, his daughter Stacia Millard Bird has been a regular presence continuing the family tradition at THON.
Throughout the first night, dancers remained on their feet as spectators filled the arena stands and supporters watched online. Committees led games, performances and themed entertainment hours designed to engage both dancers and the crowd.
Energizing the first night was Fitz and the Tantrums, who took the Jordan Center stage as the weekend’s surprise national act.
The indie pop and soul band put on an 18-song set that included hits like “MoneyGrabber,” “HandClap,” “Out of My League” and “The Walker.”
The 46-hour event continues until 4 p.m. Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center, culminating in the announcement of the final fundraising total for the year. Since its inception, THON has raised more than $254 million, including $17.7 million in 2025.
Photo by Evan Halfen | StateCollege.com
