Penn State’s THON has announced its theme for 2027 as the student-led organization inches closer towards its annual 46-hour dance marathon in February.
“Where Our Imagination Shines” was unveiled Friday during Penn State’s annual Homecoming parade. The theme reflects THON’s vision of a future where children and families affected by childhood cancer can celebrate a cure.
“THON is a place where kids can be kids. We imagine a world where one day no parent has to hear the words, ‘your child has cancer.’ A world where we are dancing in celebration of a cure,” the THON 2027 executive committee said in a release. “The THON community comes together year after year, sharing this collective vision. And with that imagination carrying us forward, we are proud to share that the theme for THON 2027 is ‘Where Our Imagination Shines.’”
THON 2027 executive director Lauren Mellas said she hopes to expand awareness of THON throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
“I imagine a world where THON is a household name across the country. But that vision starts here in our own backyard. There are still communities in Pennsylvania that have yet to discover what THON is,” Mellas said in a THON release. “However, we have an opportunity to change that. By spreading our hope and mission throughout the commonwealth, we are building a future where one day everyone in the world will know the impact of THON.”
THON 2027 will mark 50 years of Penn State’s partnership with Four Diamonds, which began in 1977 to support children and families affected by childhood cancer. Four Diamonds supports children with cancer and their families through Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Since the partnership began, THON has raised more than $273 million for the organization, with more than 16,500 Penn State students participating in THON each year, according to Penn State.
The dance marathon’s 2027 logo is expected to be revealed at THON’s annual Family Carnival in December.
THON 2027 is scheduled for Feb. 19-21 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
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