**This blog posted has been updated from its original posting on February 14, 2012**
Observing our world from the middle-aged cheap seats, I can recite a litany of reasons to not love what I see. School shootings, freak and destructive storms, crazy political rancor – it can all make a gal a little despondent. However, in the spirit of this upcoming 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 a few hard hits of late: State College, PA.
Yes, you’ve heard quite a bit of negative rhetoric about Penn State. I don’t need to rehash any of the scandal or heartache. But what you may not know is that this next weekend (February 15 – 17, 2013) 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 notes that back in 1973 the first dance marathon raised $2,000. Now, forty years, THON encompasses over 15,000 student volunteers, 700 dancers, and has raised more than $89 million, benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Our son Jimmy, who is actively involved in THON, implored us two years ago to come to State College and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. I must admit that I was expecting to observe an enthusiastic but perhaps a bit of a ragtag frenetic jumble of students running around; dancing and singing to current hip hop tunes. Something maybe 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, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m reminded that these students are once again working diligently and preparing for THON 2013; steadfast in their belief that they will help find a cure for pediatric cancer. I’m beyond proud to offer a little shout to our son Jimmy who was selected this year to be one of those 700 enthusiastic dancers. We’ll be traveling back to State College to cheer him on and support the cause.
Happy Valentine’s Day Happy Valley; best of luck this coming THON 2013 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.”
If you’re so inclined, perhaps in celebration of this year’s Valentine’s Day and in lieu of that box of chocolates or dozen roses, you might consider making a donation to THON 2013 (FYI, under organizations, our son Jimmy dances on behalf of “Penn State Lion Scouts”).
Additionally for everyone who comments on this blog today, my husband Greg and I will make a $1 donation to THON 2013.
**UPDATE**: THON 2013 was a HUGE success! Was life-changing to see all those students putting themselves through an amazing, grueling, 46 hour experience. In the end, the total raised surpassed $12 MILLION – a new record. THANK YOU everyone who supported this wonderful event – FOR THE KIDS!
Cheers,
Kimba
Greg says
February 8, 2013 at 6:05 pmJimmy, we're so proud of you and how much energy you've thrown into THON. Can't wait to see you out on the floor !!!
Tina says
February 8, 2013 at 5:55 pmSo proud of our youth.
Suzanne Michelle says
February 8, 2013 at 5:36 pmIt seems like the more that I take the time to really talk to the younger generation, I gain more hope in our future. On the other hand, when I talk to some older generations, there is minimal hope. I am not sure why that is, but I'm grateful for young adults like yours in this world. Thank you!
Kim D says
February 8, 2013 at 5:56 pmSuzanne, there is something very contagious about youthful exuberance, don't you think? Just being around my son and his friends makes me smile.
Judy says
February 8, 2013 at 5:25 pmTheir enthusiasm and energy is awesome. Bless them for working so hard to help others.
Melissa says
February 8, 2013 at 5:13 pmIt's wonderful to see younger adults raising money and awareness for such a great cause!
Sherri Krick says
February 8, 2013 at 4:31 pmGood to see the kids having a great time while raising money for a great cause!
Lisa Meinke says
February 8, 2013 at 4:31 pmWay to go Penn State … stay the course, and best wishes to Jimmy and rest of the dancers. It stirs the soul to see the miracle of THON itself. The $$$ raised are so important, but the message is more important … there is still selfless love everywhere!!! To God be the Glory and may He continue to heal forever and ever.
Susan Miller says
February 8, 2013 at 4:24 pmProud Mom of a Penn State alum. Love seeing the kids every year collecting for the Thon.
Maggie says
February 8, 2013 at 4:23 pmGo THON, beat cancer!
Megan says
February 8, 2013 at 4:21 pmThank you for spreading awareness to such a great cause! Good luck to your son!! FTK!
Proud PSU & THON alum,
Megan
Sarah says
February 8, 2013 at 4:19 pmThanks so much for this! It blessed me!! FOR THE KIDS!
Suzie Cheel says
February 8, 2013 at 4:13 pmLove it, dance for a cure is brillant and I support what Diane Marie is saying I believe that we can all cure ourselves, this is a great initiative and I love seeing so many involved for such a wonderful cause
Diane Marie says
February 8, 2013 at 4:07 pmWOW, what an great thing to get these kids involved. Personally, I would like to see them dance for Pediatric Health. What we focus on expands and I don't think any of us would like to expand cancer. Words are powerful and carry energy and we need to be mindful how often we use that c word. I believe the intent behind the THON is a pure and good one though. Many blessings to them.
Cindy Hushon says
February 8, 2013 at 4:04 pmThank you for the positive words about Penn State. This is my son's first year at main campus and he is Atlas/Thon and truly loving it. We were honored to be host to a group from Atlas as they came to our area and 'canned' for the weekend. Our daughter was part of a 'mini-thon' at her high school and that is when we learned of THON and what they do for so many. We are now proud supporters of THON. We were on the fence trying to decide if we were going to attend this year, but I think you may have just convinced us to go. Thank you for helping to raise awareness for THON and all they do.
Kim D says
February 8, 2013 at 5:50 pmCindy, parent-to-parent: GO! It is an amazing event. Bring a box of tissues; it's very moving. Great to hear that your son is enjoying Main Campus – Jimmy loves, loves, loves Penn State!
Molly says
February 8, 2013 at 3:55 pmThank so so much for your support and kind words! By spreading the word and creating more awareness there really is a chance that we may one day dance in celebration instead of dancing for a cure!!
marquita herald says
February 8, 2013 at 1:28 pmThank you so much for letting us know about this great project for such a worthwhile cause. I applaud your attitude and message. One of my missions is to share with my readers stories of every day heroes, because I think it's so easy to look at some of the people we read about as being larger than life … when in truth we are surrounded by heroes making a difference in the world every single day. Thanks!
Kim D says
February 8, 2013 at 3:08 pmThx so much for stopping by Marquita. These kids ARE heroes; but none of them would call themselves a hero – they dance for their heroes. You are spot on – there are angels amongst everyday. 🙂
Kelsea Day says
February 8, 2013 at 1:21 pmThank you so much for posting this blog. It is always great to spread the word about THON. I am so happy Jimmy was chosen to be a dancer for lion scouts. He more than deserves it with all of his hardwork and dedication to both THON and Lion Scouts. One week until we dance! Can't wait to see you there!
Mike says
February 8, 2013 at 1:10 pmTHON is one of the things that defines PENN STATE.
Congrats and Thank you to the dancers and volunteers for 2013!
Mike
Jill K. says
February 8, 2013 at 12:37 pmSuch a great article! I am on Jimmy's THON comittee and he along with several others on our committee will be dancing! This is my second THON and they are doing such great things! I will be there supporting him on the floor! Would love to meet you as well! FTK <3
Morgan Figurelle says
February 8, 2013 at 11:01 amSo excited and proud of you Jimmy!! Although I can't make it to THON this year, I will be thinking of you, cole and all the dancers/volunteers/families all weekend! Love you! <3
Craig Benner says
February 8, 2013 at 10:57 amThank you for raising awareness of such a great event.
James Andrew Budnick says
February 8, 2013 at 10:24 amComment. Happy Valentine's Day Mom!!! 1 WEEK UNTIL WE DANCE FOR A CURE!!!!!
Kim D says
February 8, 2013 at 10:59 amCan't wait to see you next weekend! SO proud of you!!
JaneAtTheLake says
February 8, 2013 at 9:26 amThank you for sharing this! It's very heartwarming, I'm soooo proud of Jimmy! PLEASE give him huge hugs from Smith Mountain Lake! Love to all at Penn State, know next weekend will be very special!!!!
Kim D says
February 8, 2013 at 10:58 amThx Jane – we have great boys, don't we?!
Nathalie Villeneuve says
February 8, 2013 at 9:24 amWoW, This is amazing…and it gives me hope! I would love to experience that…Standing with tens of thousands of young students who have such a burnig desire to help and who all believe and support such a wonderful cause.
Thank you for sharing this with us Kimba.
Kim Dalferes says
February 8, 2013 at 9:27 amNathalie, it is truly an amazing experience – there is a documentary entitled "Why We Dance" that really captures the love and commitment of these young people – highly recommend a watch.
Louise Edington says
February 8, 2013 at 9:12 amThings like this prove that overall the world is a kind and loving place. How beautiful and how lovely that your son is so involved. You must be very proud.
Kim Dalferes says
February 8, 2013 at 9:25 amThx Louise – I am proud of Jimmy and all his friends at Penn State. They make our future look very bright.