THON

It was another big fundraising total for Penn State’s THON and its efforts to support pediatric cancer patients and research.

Since partnering with the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, THON has assisted more than 4,000 families in their battle with pediatric cancer. During the emotional waning hours of the 46-hour Penn State Dance Marathon on Sunday, the children and families who have been supported by T

When Penn State Alumni Association executive director Paul Clifford took the stage Saturday morning at the Bryce Jordan Center, his energizing remarks underscored just why 707 student dancers and thousands more volunteers and supporters were spending 46 hours on their feet this weekend.

Dancer Relations captains took the stage around 6:15 pm. on Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center for the first line dance of THON 2020.

The early hours were expectedly ebullient and energetic, with participants and children dancing and playing games. And there were some surprises, like a visit from a few Penn State basketball stars and a performance by pop singer Daya.

“Everybody is impacted by cancer, and I think that’s what THON’s about — being there fighting for the cause together.”

State College mayor Ron Filippelli officially proclaimed the borough the “City of THON” Friday for the entire 46 hours dancers remain standing in the Bryce Jordan Center. Filippelli’s proclamation is the latest in a renaming tradition that began in 2015 in support of Penn State students’ efforts to benefit the Four Diamonds and the fight against…