The Penn State Dance Marathon

The Penn State University IFC/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately referred to as THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world! Its goal is to conquer childhood cancer. THON is a year-long effort that raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. With the support of students from all across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and THON Alumni all around the world, we continue to make great strides towards finding a cure for all childhood cancers!

To donate and learn more, visit THON.org.

The Four Diamonds Fund

In 1977, THON partnered with The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, and designated the fund as the sole beneficiary of THON’s fundraising efforts.  To date, THON has contributed more than $78 million to The Fund. The Four Diamonds Fund was established by Charles and Irma Millard, after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of eleven. The Fund name is derived from a story that Chris wrote shortly before he lost his battle with cancer at the age of fourteen. In Chris’ story, a knight must find the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength in order to be released from captivity by an evil sorceress. The four diamonds are symbolic of the traits Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer.

The Fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may disrupt the welfare of the child. The Fund supports the medical team that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute.