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How Penn State's THON impacts the lives of kids with cancer

Learn more about Penn State's THON efforts which raise funds for those fighting pediatric cancer and research.

Throughout the year you may see Penn State students raising money on street corners for those fighting pediatric cancer. What you often don't see is the results of  the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON— the year round fundraising and awareness campaign.

Their efforts culminate every February in a 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping, dance marathon with over 15,000 Penn State students. The money raised by THON goes to Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. The foundation covers treatment costs for pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Children's Hospital, and funds innovative research to find a cure. Since 1977, Penn State students have raised more than $136 million for Four Diamonds and last year, THON donated 96 cents of every dollar raised directly to Four Diamonds

To learn more about THON, we spoke with Colin Hayes from Boiling Springs, Pa. who received aid from Four Diamonds to help cover medical bills as a teen and now as a senior at Penn State fundraises for THON.

Hayes was diagnosed with bone cancer sophomore year of high school in 2011. The cancer has been in remission since March 2012 after more than 117 doses of chemotherapy, preventive pills, dozens of shots to boost white blood cell counts, and a surgery that removed a tumor and parts of his ribs. Students from Penn State visited him regularly when he had to stay in the hospital for treatment.

When did you first encounter students from Penn State's THON?

Soon after I was diagnosed with bone cancer, I going through scans and we were approached before one of the tests by a social worker. We were told that all my expenses not covered my medical insurance would be covered by THON.

Then I went the THON event in February 2012 when I was still was in treatment, it was a culmination of the year's fundraising efforts honoring pediatric cancer fighters. There were over 15,000 Penn students there. It was amazing to see all these students coming out to support us.

As an undergrad, I played a part in the fundraising and spreading awareness. Last year, I joined a THON finance committee check. This year, I am raising money and hoping that I am chosen as one of the 708 students who will stand the entire 46 hours of THON.

Did you always intend on attending Penn State?

I always considered going there, but then THON became the main reason I wanted to go to Penn State. I am a biology major and have been conditionally accepted at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa. I plan on becoming a pediatric oncologist.

It's important to me not only at Penn State, but for the remaining of my life to give back. I need to do my part to give back and I understand that others who are fighting are less fortunate than I was at the time.

What have you learned from your experience?

It's OK to ask for help. When I began my treatment, I wanted to isolate myself. Once I realized it was ok to get help, I learned being vulnerable was not a weakness. Allowing others to pick me up when I was feeling down really helped me a lot.

What advice to you have for kids who face a cancer diagnosis?

A big thing for me was attitude. Not letting cancer dictate my life. Trying to live a normal life as much as possible. I think that would really help out someone in a similar situation.

What else should we know about THON?

It's making a significant impact in the lives of children. I don't know what I would do without THON.

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