Last week, students at Penn State University, held their annual fundraiser, THON, an IFC/Panhellenic dance marathon benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. According to the THON website, this is the largest student-run charity fundraiser in the world. This year, THON raised a reported $12.37 million!! And-to date–the Penn State Dance Marathon has raised over $100 million all benefiting children fighting cancer–So amazing!!!!
Over 30 years ago, THON joined forces with the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Millard after the passing of their son Christopher from cancer, the Four Diamonds Fund helps families to offset the costs of treatment that are not covered by insurance. In addition, the Four Diamonds Fund also supports pediatric cancer research through start up grants and the Four Diamond Pediatric Cancer Research Institute.
The 2013 Penn State University Dance Marathon was hosted by over 15,000 student volunteers who are on a mission to fight childhood cancer. For 46 hours, hundreds of dancers kept their feet going on the dance floor. New to 2013 was a virtual, “dance with us” participation option for those who wanted to participate from a distance.
Thank you so much to the students at Penn State University for your wonderful work in supporting pediatric cancer awareness and research. You are making a HUGE difference and our hats are off to you! To learn more about the Penn State University THON event, visit them at www.thon.org.
Thank you for visiting us. The Jessie Rees Foundation is a pediatric cancer foundation inspired by 
12 year old Jessie Rees. Jessie was a beautiful, athletic, smart and compassionate girl who fought two brain tumors (DIPG) for ten months and two days. On January 5, 2012 Jessie earned her angel wings. During her courageous fight, Jessie focused on spreading hope, joy and love to other kids fighting. She knew having cancer made you feel lonely and limited so she chose to spread love stuffed in her JoyJars®. JoyJars® have now become a recognized symbol of hope, joy and love in over 200 Children’s Hospitals, 175 Ronald McDonald Houses and 11 countries. Jessie also shared her motto to NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) through her Facebook Fan Page that has over 200,00 fans. This message of hope, strength and perseverance has made its way around the world inspiring both young and old to stay strong and reach for their goals. Jessie’s motto to Never Ever Give Up will always be our message to kids and families across the globe.
To join Jessie in supporting courageous kids fighting cancer, donate for JoyJars.