The largest student-run philanthropy in the world will soon be getting some official statewide recognition thanks to a new resolution introduced by lawmakers.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, recently introduce Senate Resolution 226, which would designate Feb. 14-20, 2022, as “THON Week” in the Commonwealth.
“The incredible work of dedicated THON volunteers makes a world of difference in the lives of young cancer warriors and their families,” Corman said in a release. “These students deserve our recognition and appreciation for their efforts to provide a ray of hope to Four Diamonds families during their darkest hour.”
Since its inception, Penn State’s THON has raised more than $190 million for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, providing financial and emotional support for pediatric cancer patients and their families and funding research.
Twenty other lawmakers co-sponsored the resolution when it was referred to at a Feb. 11 Rules & Executive Nominations meeting. It hasn’t been voted on yet, according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly database, but is expected to become official soon.
This resolution is the latest official recognition of the dance marathon by government officials, as State College will once again be renamed “City of THON” during the 46 hours that dancers stand from Feb. 18 to 20.
THON will return to in-person programming in the Bryce Jordan Center this year, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and concluding at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
