Until Sunday at 16:00 dancers will stand on their feet for donations from around the world.
They say they are ready, all in the name of fighting childhood cancer.
“I feel great, ready to keep going,” said Noah Keeley of Glenalden.
Sarah Bowman of Bethlehem said, “The Four Diamonds, Penn State THON, are the two greatest organizations I could be a part of.”
But they don’t do it alone.
THON is a well-oiled car with a lot of support from classmates on the dance floor and in the stands, which will be filled all weekend.
They will also receive support from those who have directly benefited from their efforts.
Action News met 18-year-old Alex Smith, who defeated cancer with the help of THON.
“It’s great to see everyone back even after COVID. We’re challenging the odds and we’re going to get back on our feet and fight for medicine,” Smith said.
“For the next 46 hours, they will stand up for the children, just like these children when they fight cancer,” said Laura Smith, Alex’s mother.
Before it all started, the dancers arrived at the Bryce Jordan Center through a human tunnel, which has become a tradition.
But soon after that the party began.
The dancers say they hope everyone will donate at some point this weekend.
Any amount goes a long way.
“Donations are everything. All the money we raise is to help these children fight cancer, finding research and donating is how we can help,” said Elizabeth Chekai of State College.
Faith Busanick of Downingtown added: “It’s such an amazing opportunity to get involved and raise money for children and families affected by childhood cancer. So Delka, Chester County, let’s donate to THON!”
All donated money goes to the Four Diamond Fund. The foundation helps families battling cancer at Pennsylvania Children’s Hospital by paying for any expenses not covered by insurance.
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