Why We THON

Image from York Dispatch

Each February Penn State hosts THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Each year, students participate in the 46-hour dance marathon to raise money in support of childhood cancer. Around campus, many individuals and students involved in organizations are extremely passionate about this event and cause. 

Many organizations hold events before THON called “Why we THON.” This event allows members of organizations to stand up and tell their stories about why they THON and what this event means to them. As we get closer to THON, VALLEY asked students around campus why they THON.

Kendall Kutzavitch
Images provided by Kendall Kutzavitch. On the left, Kutzavitch is pictured at THON 2023 with sorority sister, and on the left, pictured with her dad.

“I THON for my dad, who has battled prostate cancer for the past 5 years. I am so incredibly proud of him and all the hard work he has put into fighting. And even when times were tough, no matter the circumstance or the odds, I would still find him doing it with a smile on his face, cracking jokes to lighten the mood for others… Seeing what my dad has gone through for the past few years has been hard enough for us, I couldn’t imagine a child having to go through that same experience. And I THON in hope that one day, no child has to.”

Kendall is a junior in Alpha Phi and is very passionate about THON.

Grace Lindstrom

“This year I was lucky enough to be elected to dance in THON 2024. I THON for the families, not just for the money/treatment that they so deserve, but for the children who deserve a sense of normalcy in their lives. They DESERVE a normal childhood, and I hope that THON has given these families a bit of that. I have seen cancer affect so many important people in my life, and I hope that THON continues to work towards a cure, because no child/human should ever have to face cancer.”

Grace is a senior on the Equestrian team and will be dancing in THON 2024.

A THON 'Thank You' from Penn State Health - Penn State Health News
Image from Penn State Health News
Chase Coren

“We tend to think that our problems in life are always the most difficult but these kids are going through a lot more. Standing for 46 hours might be challenging but not as challenging as what children with cancer have to go through each and every day. For this reason, it makes you think a lot more about what these children have to experience and makes you want to raise money to hopefully find a cure for cancer.”

Chase is a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi and is very involved and passionate about THON.

Sydney Schupp
Photos provided by Sydney Schupp. On the left, Schupp is pictured with Alpha Phi & Alphla Epsilon Phi THON kid, Harrison Fischman, and the left pictured as she got chosen to dance in THON 2024.

“I THON for the families of Alpha Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi. I have had the honor to meet the DiRocco’s, the Smith’s, and the Fischman’s. They are truly the most genuine people I have ever met and care so much about each member in our chapter. No matter what the families may have been going through at the time they always make time to talk to us and update us on what is going on. We are so lucky to be paired with The DiRoccos, The Smiths, The Fischman’s, The Zomaks, and The McDonnells and get to be a part of their lives and share their stories. I have been involved in THON since high school and it has been a dream of mine to dance since. I am so honored to not only be a dancer for Aphi and AEPI, but get to represent our families on the floor.” 

Sydney will be a dancer for Alpha Phi in THON 2024.

James McCullough

“THON was an influential factor in my decision to attend Penn State. THON provides students the opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves, whether that be as a member of an established organization or as a solo contributor. I THON to see the look on all of the THON kids’ faces when they recognize that tens of thousands of people are willing to support them in all definitions of the word.”

James is a member of Acacia fraternity and is very passionate about THON. 

Penn State Athletics Participates in THON - Penn State Athletics
Image from Penn State Athletics
Tegan Mullan

“I THON for my dad and his battle with cancer over the past 4 years. No one should ever have to go through watching a loved one battle with cancer. THON means to be helping take ease of family’s dealing with cancer and allowing them to focus on the things that matter the most like spending time with your loved ones. Alpha Phi encouraged me to get involved in THON and it was such a great experience last year!”

Tegan is a sophomore in Alpha Phi and is very involved in THON.

As the Penn State community gets closer to THON, share why you THON on social media, and be sure to follow and tag @VALLEYmag! FTK!

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