How to explain THON to an outsider
After all, not everyone is in our Happy Valley bubble
As Penn State students, we live in a world that breathes THON. Whether you are involved or not, it isn’t possible to completely avoid the organization. However, while we know everything there is to know about THON, you have inevitably tried to explain to your grandma or some aunt you only see once a year, what exactly THON is. But why is something many of us are so passionate about, so hard to explain to someone who is unfamiliar?
Here are some answers to the commonly asked questions that that aunt of yours probably asks when she receives a THONvelope in the mail. Next time instead of awkwardly laughing and being baffled that someone couldn’t possibly know what THON was, here is your chance to educate and spread the mission of THON.
So, what exactly is it?
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It is a 46-hour, no sitting or sleeping dance marathon that takes place in our very own Bryce Jordan Center. The mission of THON is to raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment all in pursuit of a cure.
Why only pediatric cancer?
There is no denying it, cancer sucks, for everyone. It does not discriminate, no matter who you are. Many people THON for different reasons, but THON is about “The Kids.” These children have not been granted a normal childhood, and THON provides a safe, fun weekend where kids can be kids and free from any other worries.
Who are “THON children?”
THON children are those who have been diagnosed with some form of pediatric cancer (as well as their siblings). Some THON children have grown up, gone on to have their own families and are still considered a THON child. THON provides emotional support to those affected throughout their lifetime, one of the many reasons THON is so unique.
How is THON different from any other fundraiser?
THON raises money for much more than funding research for a cure. Most of THON’s money is used to support theses families financially as well as emotionally. This means not only paying for all of the child’s medical bills, medications, and treatments, but it also means things like gas money for driving to and from appointments and money for other household bills. In addition, THON provides a huge support system. Families are paired with an organization that really help make for a spectacular and individual experience for each child.
Why are the dancers not dancing for 46 hours straight?
Dancing is definitely incorporated throughout THON weekend, but this does not mean that they are constantly freestyling or having everyone on the floor participate in a massive train. There is constantly music or some form of entertainment, and the ever-so-popular line dance will be played quite often throughout the weekend where everyone will stop and dance together.
Why is nobody allowed to sit?
One of THON weekend’s rules is that no one in the BJC is allowed to sit throughout the course of the 46 hours. If the dancers are standing, so are you. This is so that the dancers can look up and further be encouraged to stay standing, even through the highs and lows of their exhaustion. The whole point is that even the pain and discomfort THON weekend cannot begin to compare to what these children go through but we stand with and for them in solidarity and hope for a cure.
THON weekend is finally here! Help spread the mission and cause of THON so that one day, THON is an event of the past and we can dance in celebration because there is a cure. For the Kids.
http://donate.thon.org/