THON 2020 Update
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more commonly referred to as THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and has been raising money to support children diagnosed with cancer since 1977. Since its inception, THON has raised over $167 million for the Four Diamonds Foundation.
Locally-based and operated, Four Diamonds supplies financial support to childhood cancer patients and their families. Other than the assistance of covering hospital bills, Four Diamonds supplies specialty care providers that are not typically covered by insurance, including musical therapists, clinical nutritionists, psychologists, and pastoral care for cancer-stricken children. With an eye on the present and future, Four Diamonds has founded its own Pediatric Cancer Research Center focused on improving treatment of the disease, as well.
This year’s Penn State Rugby THON dancers are Mia Lancellotti (Junior - psychology) and Lacey Walker (Sophomore - agricultural and extension education). The two players are both looking forward to representing the club in such a positive way.
“I am super excited to be given this opportunity to dance for 46 hours with another teammate, Lacey,” said Mia. “We have been talking about how to keep each other's spirits up and how excited we are to dance and meet new faces. Being able to be an organization and connect with the Four Diamonds families is not something many athletes get to do often, so I consider us lucky to be so close with our THON family.”
”I am super excited to be representing rugby while dancing at THON...I am honored to play such a small part in the fight to find a cure,” Lacey added.
The two dancers will join 705 other Penn State students and alumni in the 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon on February 21-23. As always, they will try and break the single-year record of $13,343,547.33, set back during THON 2014.
Anyone inspired to support Penn State Rugby, THON, and Four Diamonds can make a donation to Penn State Rugby’s THON fundraising page at: https://donate.thon.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.donate&eventID=2055
