THON is a Penn State University student charity that generates funds to fight pediatric cancer.
It all peaks annually with a 46-hour dance marathon where participants do no sitting and no sleeping at Bryce Jordan Center. Its earnings are all given to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, to assist in offsetting the cost of treatment and to fund cancer research.
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, uniting thousands in the battle against pediatric cancer.
Penn State University broke records again at its THON weekend activity, raising a record-breaking $17,737,040.93 to fight pediatric cancer.
Between February 21 and 23, 2025, in the Bryce Jordan Center, THON 2025 solidified itself as the world’s largest student-driven philanthropy with the unity of tens of thousands of students, alumni, families, and friends all having one thing in common: the eradication of childhood cancer.
This year’s theme, “A Home For Hope,” was the hope-inspiring light during the 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleep dance marathon.
Over 700 student dancers stood for nearly two days straight, symbolizing the physical and emotional stamina it requires to work with kids and families battling pediatric cancer.
With over 16,500 student volunteers serving in a given year, THON is more than a weekend event—it’s a movement.
“This is not about how much we raised,” THON 2025 Executive Director Julia Horne said in the event’s last hour. “It’s about the lives that we touch, the families that we serve, and the hope that we provide. That’s what THON is all about, and this year we made history doing it.”
The proceeds support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, which pays 100% of all the uninsured medical charges not covered by insurance for families that qualify.
Funds also support groundbreaking research in pediatric oncology, advancing treatment and eventually a cure.
THON 2025 surpassed last year’s total by more than $780,000 because of the passion and creativity of the Penn State community. Students organized hundreds of events leading up to the weekend—anything from canning trips and restaurant fundraisers to benefit concerts and merchandise sales. Everything, whether large or small, contributed to making it happen.
“I started my fund-raising in August with my committee,” said junior volunteer Priya Mehta. “We worked long days, had fund-raisers every week, and informed people about the Four Diamonds families. The fact that it’s for the kids kept us going.”.
The emotional climax of THON came Sunday afternoon when the overall amount raised was revealed to a crowded arena that was filled with students, families, and cancer survivors.
Tears, applause, and hugs permeated the Bryce Jordan Center as the figure was displayed on stage—$17.7 million, the record total in THON’s 52-year history.
For other families, what THON does is not always financial assistance. It’s encouragement from their community.
Pediatric cancer-stricken families are invited to give their own personal testimonials on the stage throughout the entire weekend to inspire dancers and supporters of how their genuine worth lies within each donated dollar.
“We never expected our lives to change so suddenly when our son was diagnosed,” said one Four Diamonds parent during the event. “But THON gave us support, love, and hope during our darkest times. We’re not alone—and that means everything.”
Since its founding in 1973, THON has raised over $236 million to support the fight against pediatric cancer. And with each passing year, the event grows in scale and spirit.
When THON 2025 concluded, there was no question: the Penn State community will never stop dancing, raising money, and fighting for a world where no child will ever have to go through cancer.