RAISING MORE THAN $100,000 BENEFITING THON

Students at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, raised a remarkable $101,965.89 for the 51st annual Penn State Dance Marathon, better known as THON, to conquer pediatric cancer.

The Fayette THON team continues to show its unyielding commitment to the cause, raising more money than any other Commonwealth campus. The team collected $101,965.89 in donations this year, making a cumulative total of $1,617,049.68 since the team’s establishment in 1998. The students remain devoted to funding pediatric cancer research and treatment.

Hayley White, chair of the 2022-2023 Fayette THON team, stated that although their team may be small, it’s composed of passionate, hardworking, and selfless individuals.

Reflecting On The Experience

Third-year student and dancer Maria Catalina said participating in THON is an emotional roller-coaster but in a positive way. She said the experience could be overwhelming with bright lights and colorful shows, but listening to family stories puts things into perspective.

“Their stories make your heart break and soar at the same time as we witness these families’ battles up close,” Catalina said.

“Some of them are triumphant while others have lost children to cancer. But we keep dancing because they know that we’re still thinking about them—they’ll always be a part of our community.”

Second-year student Maximus Nassar described the grand reveal as worth all the weekend’s hardships, signifying the fruition of their efforts that matters to hundreds of thousands of people.

First-year student Lauren Nedrow characterized her THON weekend as “utterly indescribable,” expressing immense pride in participating in a cause that aids so many.

Josh Krause, a third-year student, mentioned that having danced at THON for three years, he’s discovered that THON never loses its magical charm, providing unique experiences unattainable elsewhere.

Over the weekend, dancers received letters from family members, friends, and even those affected by pediatric cancer. Roger Myers Jr., a third-year student and dancer, shared that reading letters from patients at the Hershey Medical Center, written in crayon and expressing gratitude for their treatment support, highlighted the difference THON makes in people’s lives.

Jacob Mariotti, a third-year student, underscored the profound impact of THON that can only be fully appreciated by participation. He stated, “Dancing was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. I’m immensely grateful to have been part of the Fayette team and raise nearly $102,000 for the children.”

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1. Students creating Penn State themed string art.

2. Community service at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. during Alternative Spring Break.

3. Students on an adventure to TopGolf in Pittsburgh.

4. Our students cooking with Chef Egg, who gave them tips on achieving culinary excellence!

5. Crushing it at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, where students created their own colorful works of art.

6. Discovering cultural foods and traditions worldwide with the International Food Showcase.

7. Celebrating Pi Day in the Student Success Center.

8. Students having a blast with the inflatables at Spring Fling.

9. The Christian Club organizing an Easter egg hunt in the Student Center.

10. Taylor McCormick celebrating her success during commencement.