Penn State’s student-run dance marathon, or THON, revealed this weekend it raised $10.6 million dollars for pediatric cancer this year.
Thousands of students and spectators gathered in the Bryce Jordan Center for 46 hours to celebrate the fundraising efforts for families and children battling cancer.
One of those families was the Damesheks, who lost their 12-year-old daughter Emilia in 2016. Her mother Natalie gave an emotional speech during the final hours of the event.
“We left the hospital without our baby, and we went home and we planned her funeral. And a week later, over 800 people came to say goodbye to her and support us,” Natalie Dameshek said.
Throughout the weekend, more than 700 students participated as dancers.
The hours are filled with performances by local bands, student music groups, dance teams, talent shows and more.
While the entertainment keeps the energy high, the family speeches, including Dameshek’s, remind students why they participate.
