PENN STATE THON™ RAISES $17.7 MILLION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER, BREAKING ALL-TIME ANNUAL FUNDRAISING RECORD

THON Reaches Remarkable Financial Milestone After 46-Hour No-Sitting, No-Sleeping Dance Marathon Raises $17.7 Million for Families Affected by Childhood Cancer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Feb. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Penn State THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy in the world that provides year-round financial and emotional support to children and families impacted by childhood cancer, announced a record breaking raise of $17,737,040.93 following the organization's annual 46-hour no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon. All proceeds from THON's fundraising efforts benefit its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds, a national non-profit gift fund that covers 100 percent of all medical expenses for families with childhood cancer at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, while also supporting an extensive cancer research program at Penn State College of Medicine.

This year's 53rd anniversary of THON embraced the theme "A Home For Hope," representative of the joy, love, and unwavering support shared by everyone involved—from students to families—united in the mission to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has partnered with Four Diamonds, the organization founded by Charles and Irma Millard in memory of their son Christopher, to lead the fight against childhood cancer.

Over 700 dancers participated in the organization's iconic dance marathon that began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21 and ran nonstop until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23. The Fray, who recently announced their 20-year anniversary tour, headlined a surprise performance at the Bryce Jordan Center, sponsored by PNC Bank. The crowd enjoyed the band's classic hits including "Over My Head", "You Found Me", "How to Save a Life" to an audience of Four Diamonds families and 16,500 student volunteers.

"On behalf of everyone at THON, we are always inspired by our community's togetherness for such a monumental cause," said Keegan Sobczak, Director of THON. "Another record-breaking year highlights the lifesaving impact of this cause and the dedication behind every dollar raised to support Four Diamonds families. We extend our gratitude to everyone who donated, volunteered, and danced—making this day unforgettable while raising awareness and educating others about childhood cancer."

THON was originally founded in 1973 by Penn State students and over the last 53 years, THON and Four Diamonds have helped over 4,800 families experiencing childhood cancer by covering all medical expenses, including comprehensive specialty care services at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Making an impact worldwide, THON and Four Diamonds continue to support research that is critical for the advancement of cancer treatments. Led by their support, Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Four Diamonds announced the launch of a groundbreaking clinical trial focused on treating solid tumors in children in September 2024. In partnership with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium (BCC), this trial will evaluate the investigational drug Silmitasertib in combination with FDA-approved treatments. With a goal of enrolling 114 participants nationwide, the trial will be essential in determining the drug's safety in children and how effectively it combats tumor cells.

"Every year serves as a powerful reminder of why we stand united in the fight to conquer pediatric cancer," said Suzanne Graney, Executive Director of Four Diamonds. "For years, nonprofits have played a crucial role in bridging the gap in research funding, taking action to drive progress toward a cure. We are very proud of another record-breaking year! Our supporters are consistently raising the bar to prove what we can accomplish together. We will never stop fundraising, dancing, and fighting for a cure, For the Kids."

To learn more about THON and where to make donations, please visit www.thon.org and donate.thon.org.

ABOUT THON™   
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. THON is composed of over 16,500 Penn State student volunteers who aim to provide emotional and financial support to Four Diamonds families, as well as to spread the mission of THON and childhood cancer. Since its partnership in 1977, THON has raised over $236 million dollars to support its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.     

ABOUT FOUR DIAMONDS   
Four Diamonds' mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100 percent of medical bills and comprehensive specialty care services for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

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SOURCE THON