Penn State University is home to one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the world, The Penn State

IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON). THON ensures that no family at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital incurs any expenses relating to treatment or their well-being during their battle against cancer. All funds raised go to the Four Diamonds Foundation at the hospital and pays for all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual resources families may need.

Alpha Gamma Chapter paired with three families to support. Chapter members visit these families, hear their stories, go to events with them and celebrate together every year at THON.

Although members provide support year-round, the THON weekend is a 46-hour, no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon that marks the end of the fundraising year. This year in February, more than 100 collegiate and alumni members participated over THON weekend and throughout the year at various fundraising and family events. This year, Alpha Gamma Chapter raised over $80,000 for the kids, which is almost $13,000 more than last year! The overall THON total this year was over $16,000,000.

“Being able to watch our THON children grow into incredible people is a privilege we are forever grateful for,” said chapter president Kate O’Brien.

Many Penn State-State College brothers are a part of THON with five THON chairs. The 2024 THON chairs were Nick Massari, Theo Koch, Maddy Henderson, Dillon Somers and Kylie Gilliard.

When asked why they participate in THON Kate said, “If you ask a brother in the Alpha Gamma Chapter why they THON, they will most likely tell you about our families…Alpha Gamma Chapter THONs to give back some childhood our families lost and to be a support system throughout the rest of their lives.”

To keep up with Penn State-State College’s THON efforts, go to dsppsu.com or follow @deltasigmapi_foracure on Instagram.