This is Why we THON

In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal it has not always been easy to be a Penn State student. It seems like the entire campus is subject to a greater level of scrutiny even in matters which have no connection to the absolutely tragic situation. But ever the resilient, Penn State students rallied all year to raise money for pediatric cancer. The culmination of these fundraising efforts is lovingly referred to as THON. THON is a 46-hour “dance” marathon, which over the span of the weekend will fill the Bryce Jordan Center to capacity several times.

As a graduate student, THON had largely been a mystery to me. Indeed I thank my EMS coworkers for not only teaching me but getting me excited for THON. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It is also one of most efficient charities in the world, 96-percent of funds raised go directly to families affected by pediatric cancer or to pediatric cancer research.

I worked as an EMT during THON. This offered a unique vantage point. I was able to explore the BJC and interact with more people than an average spectator. Throughout the weekend I treated dancers, volunteer staff, and spectators. Everyone had a moving story as to why and how they got involved with THON. In many of the Greek organizations on campus involvement is expected, but the idea of being 18 or 19 and having a chance to save or improve a child’s life is a deeply moving decision.

Negativity is simply not permitted inside the culminating event, despite the challenge of being awake for 46 consecutive hours for the dancers. To combat negativity and thoughts of quitting are moralers, family, friends, and thousands of people who often deprive themselves of sleep in the stands cheering dancers along. On both Saturday and Sunday I worked from midnight to 8:30am, and when I would walk out onto the floor of the BJC at 4:00am, I could see thousands of students dedicated to the cause dancing in the stands, right along with the dancers on the floor. Indeed, in the wee hours on Saturday morning my pager was completely silent. During a period when we normally would have several 911 calls, there was nothing.

The feeling of being inside the BJC during THON escapes description. The love in the air is palpable. It is dangerously close to euphoria. The colorful and whimsical clothing is almost dreamlike. Dancers wear neon colors with capes, sashes, and tu-tus—most spectators do to. And yes, despite the fact THON is a completely alcohol-free event, thousands of college kids would rather be there than in the bars. Truthfully, I can understand this. After all, this year THON raised $10,686,924.83, all for the kids.

Describing THON is a challenge, so I will leave you with a photograph. When I left THON at 9:00am on Sunday, seven hours before the dance marathon ended, this was the view from the floor. This is before we knew we beat the previous year’s record and at hour 39. Five minutes later when I left the BJC, the line was a quarter mile long outside because new spectators were only let in as spectators inside left. Truly, this is what Penn State is all about. This is part of why I am a proud Penn Stater and over the past week, the feeling has only grown.

If you'd like to contribute to the fight against pediatric cancer, please visit this website.