These days it’s easy to be pessimistic. Economies are struggling, people are still out of work and losing their homes, and don’t even get me started on the political rancor we are enduring. Observing our world from the middle-aged cheap seats, I can recite a litany of reasons to not love what I see. However, as today is Valentine’s Day, I would like to instead share that hope – and youth – springs eternal and is most certainly thriving in a place that has taken many hard hits of late: State College, PA.
Yes, you’ve heard quite a bit of negative rhetoric recently about Penn State. I don’t need to rehash any of the scandal and heartache and loss. But what you may not know is that this coming weekend something will happen at Penn State that is nothing short of remarkable. Thousands of students will stay awake and on their feet for 46 hours straight; all united in working toward the sole purpose of supporting the fight against pediatric cancer.
A bit of background: THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. That’s right: all STUDENT-LED. The THON website (http://www.thon.org/) notes that back in 1973 the first dance marathon raised $2,000. Now, nearly forty years later, THON encompasses over 15,000 student volunteers, 700 dancers, and has raised more than $78 million, benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Our son Jimmy, who is actively involved in THON, implored us last year to come to State College and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. I must admit that I was expecting to see an enthusiastic but maybe a bit of a ragtag frenetic jumble of students running around, dancing and singing to current hip hop tunes. Something perhaps equivalent to Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney’s “let’s put on a show.” I was astounded to instead be greeted by an organized event machine, much more akin to a professional telethon. The Bryce Jordan Center, with a capacity of 16,000, was filled with not just the THON volunteers, but also thousands of additional students and supporters, all standing – never sitting – and cheering for the dancers.
It was an electrifying scene, all accomplished through the love of fifteen thousand student volunteers. This year, on Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded that these students are right now working diligently and preparing for this upcoming next weekend; steadfast in their belief that they can and will help find a cure for pediatric cancer. If you’re so inclined, perhaps on this Valentine’s Day, in lieu of that box of chocolates or dozen roses, you might consider making a donation to THON. For everyone who posts a comment on this blog today (you can just note "Hi" or "Like"), we’ll make a $1 donation to THON.
So, Happy Valentine’s Day Happy Valley and best of luck this coming THON weekend. And of course Happy Valentine’s Day to you too Jimmy – thanks for everything that you and your thousands of student friends will be doing “For The Kids.”
Emily says
This is great!
Gina says
Thank you so much, this is awesome! FTK
Kate says
Thanks so much! FTK & FTD!!!!
Sarah says
Thanks so much! Things like this are the reason we can do so much! ONE DAY FTK!
Bridget says
Thank you for recognizing the love we all have for THON!!! We're dancing in one day FTK!
Amy says
Thank you so much for doing this!! FTK
Anonymous says
This is incredible! Thank you very much! FTK!
Alyssa says
thank you for doing this!!
Anonymous says
This is awesome. Thank you so much! You and Jimmy are incredible people. FTK!!
Chelsea says
Thank you so much for recognizing and spreading the love of THON, it truly is an amazing cause! Your support means so much!
"One day we will dance in celebration, until then we will dance for a cure!
BRIGHTEN EVERY JOURNEY! FTK!
Anonymous says
FTK!!
Christine says
Thank you this is awesome! Tomorrow we will dance for a cure FTK!
Angela says
Thank you so much! THON ON! FTK!
Laur says
Ftk
Rachel says
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!. FTK!! FTM!! THON IS TOMORROW!
Carlye says
This makes me so happy! FTK!
Lauren says
Thank You! FTK
Mark says
Thank you! FTK!
Catherine Ritchie says
Thank you so much for spreading the word! It is through people like you that more and more people hear about our amazing event! I am on a Morale committee and could never explain the excitement inside as I anticipate THON this weekend! FTK! Thank you for your support!
Kristina says
Thank you so much for doing this, THON is an amazing cause 🙂 FTK!
Maggie says
Thank you for helping spread awarness about THON and
peidatric cancer! Together we can help find a cure! FTK
Lindsay says
Thank you so much for your support of THON! Together we ALL are making a difference in the life of a child.
Hannah says
Beautifully said!
Evan says
I can't thank you enough! We dance in 1!
Abbie says
thanks so much for all your help spreading the word! THON is tomorrow!!!