last weekend, i traveled to State College, PA with my family to cheer on and support my little brother, Pete, as he participated in the annual dance marathon, THON, at Penn State University.
THON happens to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. it is a year-long effort, where the students at PSU, gather together, and raise funds as well as awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. my brother has been participating for the last two years and I still am in awe as to how awesome this effort truly is.
it is a 46-hour dance marathon where the 'dancers' cannot sit for 46 hours, while they have teams of students there to boost their morale and support them throughout the weekend. there is live entertainment, dancing, singing, games, and more. there are families and children that have been supported by this effort there, joining in on the fun, and simply being a kid again away from the diagnosis, procedures, hospital beds, and so on.
it is truly an inspiration to watch all of these students gathered together in the Bryce Jordan Center, packing it to the brim, chanting, singing together, hugging, and cheering on each other. at a time where Penn State has been scrutinized and many have felt the effects of the news media coverage and allegations, this past weekend portrayed PSU in solidarity, leadership, courage, and with kindness in their hearts. It is inspiring to watch groups of students, swaying together to the music, cheering on the kids as they sing on stage, and keeping the dancers' spirits alive despite the hours passing by with no rest.
i can keep going on and on but I simply wanted to share some photos of this past weekend and the efforts of these students, facing head on any challenges they have been up against, and doing something for the greater good that has affected SO many people in the BEST way.
oh and by the way, they raised almost 10.7 million dollars. pretty incredible huh? yeah I thought so.
it's incredible what people can do, when they really put their minds AND hearts to it, right?
an inspiration, at the very least.
xoxo
Vickie
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