UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WPVI) — It’s a weekend of excitement and celebration as THON 2026 officially kicks off inside the Bryce Jordan Center.
Thousands of Penn State students are on their feet, committed to helping conquer childhood cancer.
“All types of organizations, clubs, fraternities, varsity athletes – they all come together for this. It’s a big moment,” said junior Andre Starks.
The student-run philanthropy is the largest in the world and has been a campus staple since 1973.
“I come from a family of Penn State alumni, so they’ve always been talking about this,” said Lea Babio of Quakertown.
More than 16,000 students across all campuses participate in the year-long fundraising effort.
Every dollar raised goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey. The money supports childhood cancer care and funds critical research in the fight against pediatric cancer.
But at the heart of this effort are the families who have been impacted.
“It’s all about the kids, so while we’re celebrating our fundraising efforts, everything goes toward them and the families,” said Reilly Kuhn of Exton.
“They look forward to this weekend all year long, so it’s awesome to see the smiles on their faces,” said Angelina Colucci of Gilbertsville.
This weekend is their opportunity to get a break from cancer treatment and feel the love of these student volunteers, including the 700 student dancers who will be on their feet for 46 hours.
“It’s standing for a purpose. You’re going to be tired. You’re going to be sore. But in the end of it, you really think what this is for. It’s for children battling cancer and helping their families,” said Grace Davis of Pittsburgh.
Since 1977, THON has raised more than $254 million for Four Diamonds.
Last year, these students raised more than $17 million.
Join 6abc for our special “Dance for a Cure: Live From THON” presented by Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. You can watch it Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. on 6abc and wherever you get your streaming content.
To learn how you can help, click here.
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