Every year, Penn State hosts the largest student run philanthropy event, THON. Originally started by Greek Life organizations, THON has grown into an event of love, bonding and encouragement for all organizations at Penn State.
Leading up to THON, many organizations also participate and hold events throughout the year to prepare. A particularly heartwarming and special event hosted by many organizations is “Why We THON.” Through this, it gives members an opportunity to speak on why they THON, and what they THON for. Many people have personal connections to this event, and want to share theirs.
With less than 100 days until THON, VALLEY asked Penn State students why they THON.
Mia Casale
“I THON For The Kids and Alpha Phi’s and AEPi’s incredible THON families who inspire me every single day with their courage, resilience and unwavering hope. Families like the DiRoccos, McDonnells, Zomaks, Smiths and Fischmans remind us of the power of community and the importance of standing together in the fight against childhood cancer. They show us what it means to celebrate victories, cherish precious memories and find light even in the darkest moments. Each family has its own unique story, but together they represent everything THON stands for: love, hope and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future. I THON because I believe in a future where no child has to hear the words, “You have cancer.” I THON to keep the memories of those we’ve lost alive, to fight for the kids still battling and to bring hope to families who inspire us every day. One day we will dance in celebration, but for now, we continue to dance for a cure.”
Mia currently holds the position of Primary Family Relations Chair for Alpha Phi, and will be dancing in THON 2025!
Kendall Teets
“I THON for my brother. My brother was diagnosed with lung cancer this past spring. Watching my baby brother go through this terrifying journey with chemotherapy and surgery was heartbreaking. Finding out my brother had cancer was something I never want to hear again. This is why I got involved with THON so I can help make an impact for such a great cause. I want to make sure no one else has to hear their kids have childhood cancer.”
Kendall is a junior on the Dancer Relations Committee.
Emily Sadorf
“I THON to make a difference, even if my contribution is small. Cancer is a terrible disease that causes so many negative impacts on a family’s life. I had first hand experience with cancer in my immediate family. This sparked my interest and passion for THON. When I came to Penn State it was my goal to be a part of THON and dance my senior year for my sorority. It is an honor to represent Alpha Phi as the Primary Fundraising Chair and dance in THON 2025. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Emily is the Primary THON Fundraising chair for Alpha Phi and will be dancing in THON 2025!
Zola Daverio
“I THON so that more families can have more smiles and more tomorrows. Every child deserves to live a happy and healthy life and I hope that one day we dance in celebration of a cure.”
Zola is the previous Finance Executive Board Chair for Atlas Benefitting THON.
Logan Aldrich
“I participate in THON at Penn State because I believe in the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause. It’s inspiring to witness the physical and mental strength of children and families battling pediatric cancer, and THON gives me a chance to contribute to that fight. I also participate to honor those who have lost their lives to cancer and to support the ongoing research that can one day lead to a cure. Ultimately, being part of THON is a way for me to give back, make a great impact in the community and create lasting memories with others who share the same passion.’
Logan is a junior raising money with Phi Delta Theta.
Katie Snyder
“I THON because Penn State is actively making a difference in so many families’ stories and livelihoods. I like being a part of the difference that actively helps so many people.”
Katie was on a Rules and Regulations committee for THON last year, and currently holds the position of LO on Supply Logistics.
Alyssa Morgan
“I THON for Alpha Phi and AEPi’s five beautiful families. During my time as Primary Family Relations Chair, I was blessed to create relationships with our families that will last a lifetime. Their stories and experiences have completely changed my outlook on life and I am forever grateful to have been a small part of their journey. They are collectively the most strong, resilient and brave people I have ever met and I feel honored to represent each of them as a dancer in THON 2025.”
Alyssa will be a dancer for Alpha Phi in THON 2025!
Chase Coren
“I thon for the people that can’t. 46 hours standing up for this cause is nothing compared to the years of struggles these kids and families go through. There is no reason that anyone should have to fight this disease alone. The first time I was at thon I saw the smile on one of our thon kids faces and I realized what this event means to them. Seeing how happy someone can be in such a hard time made me realize that THON is a lot more than the 46 hours that people see. It’s always awesome to see how a group of people from all over can come together and fight for one cause.”
Chase is the fundraising chair for Alpha Epsilon Pi and last year stood for all 46 hours of THON.
These are few of the thousands of inspirational stories behind Penn State’s love for THON. Why do you THON? Make sure to follow @VALLEYmag on social media to share your story!
