(L-R) Joey Pretti, Julia D'Orazio and Philippe Latour showing their diamonds before THON began on Friday night.
MEDIA, Pa. — For Penn State students across Pennsylvania, one year of fundraising to support children fighting pediatric cancer culminated Feb. 21-23 in a 46-hour no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon at University Park in the Bryce Jordan Center.
Penn State THON raised a record $17,737,040.93 for Four Diamonds, an organization at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital that covers 100% of all medical expenses related to cancer care not covered by insurance. Penn State Brandywine raised $27,826.27, more than last year’s $20,674.
Students Julia D’Orazio, Philippe Latour and Joey Pretti had the honor of representing the campus as dancers during THON Weekend, which included no sleeping, no sitting and a whole lot of dancing for 46 hours straight until the $17.7 million reveal on Sunday afternoon.
D’Orazio, a second-year communications major, said she’s wanted to support and dance at THON since she first learned about the organization in fourth grade.
“I was first introduced to THON by my teacher in fourth grade, and ever since then, it has never left my mind. I’ve always been so moved by the organization, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the change,” D’Orazio said.
Latour, a second-year corporate innovation and entrepreneurship major, said his experience at THON last year influenced him to dance this year.
“THON last year filled me with so many emotions. Although I was tired, I was filled with joy and happiness, and I was moved by all the families’ stories,” he said. “After a lot of thinking, I decided I wanted to do it, and I’m so glad I did.”
Pretti, a first-year student in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, said he wanted to dance at THON because one of his good friends was a dancer.
“The year after the pandemic, I went to visit my friend who was a THON dancer. I went to visit when families were sharing their stories about their pediatric cancer experiences, and it was really moving for me. It made me want to become a dancer,” he said.
Dana Hallahan, Brandywine’s assistant director of alumni relations and one of the advisers of Brandywine Benefitting THON, attended the event and noted how proud she was of the organization for meeting all three of its goals for the year.
“THON Weekend is the celebration of what can be accomplished when an entire community unites for a cause greater than themselves. It is a powerful reminder that every cent raised, every supporter and every Four Diamonds family's story contributes to something truly life-changing,” she said.
“Seeing Brandywine Benefitting THON reach all three of its goals this year — having three dedicated dancers, adopting a Four Diamonds family and raising over $25,000 — is an incredible achievement. Their passion, teamwork and unwavering support for one another exemplify the true spirit of THON. On behalf of all the advisers, we could not be prouder of this group and the impact they have made in the fight against childhood cancer!”
