Frequently Asked Questions - General

THON, which is short for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, is a year-long effort which raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. With the support of students from all across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and THON Alumni all around the world, we continue to make great strides towards finding a cure for all childhood cancers. Our efforts culminate with a two day, no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon during the third weekend in February.

While THON is considered to be a year-long event that includes a 5K Run/Walk, Family Carnival, and other events, the actual two-day dance marathon will be held February 19-21, 2010, in the Bryce Jordan Center.

The slogan of the Penn State Dance Marathon is “For The Kids” or “FTK.” Since 1977, THON has partnered with The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital with one goal in mind: conquering childhood cancer. Our efforts are all FTK!

The Four Diamonds Fund is the beneficiary of THON’s fundraising efforts. The Four Diamonds Fund was established by Charles and Irma Millard after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Because of THON’s support, The Fund is able to offset the cost of treatment that a family’s insurance won’t cover, as well as provide for other expenses that may affect the welfare of the child.

The Fund also supports the medical team that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute.

The Four Diamonds Fund is named after a story that Christopher Millard wrote shortly before he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 14. In Chris’ story, a knight must find the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength in order to be released from captivity by an evil sorceress. The four diamonds are symbolic of the traits Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer.

To read Chris' Story, click on the following link: www.thon.org/whatisthon/4d/chrisstory

Yes, all donations to the Penn State Dance Marathon and The Four Diamonds Fund are tax deductible. Our federal tax ID Number is 24-6000-376. All monetary donations above $25 will be receipted by The Pennsylvania State University. Please contact finance@thon.org with additional questions.

THON  gear can be purchased through our online THON Store at https://store.thon.psu.edu/.