THON Dancer Gina Lamm got a welcomed lift from Penn State Powerlifting Club member Connor Senft on day three of THON 2016. The Powerlifting Club provided their expertise around the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center to give dancers a well-deserved break. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
February 19, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Hugs, cheers and snapshots were aplenty as THON dancers passed through the Human Tunnel today to begin their 46-hour, no-sitting, no sleeping adventure in the Bryce Jordan Center.
Since 1977, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has raised more than $127 million for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, aiding in the fight against pediatric cancer.
THON 2016 raised more than $9.7 million for Four Diamonds and the pursuit of a cure for pediatric cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Following a much anticipated countdown to zero, the 2016 THON student-committee leadership invited the more than 700 dancers at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center to 'sit down' and relax, bringing an end to a very successful 2016 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers provide support for each other throughout the 46 hour Penn State Dance Marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center. THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Crowd favorite 'Go Go Gadget' was the last band to perform at THON 2016 prior to the reveal and conclusion of the three-day event. This was the bands sixth performance at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Dominique Bigler family embraced after sharing the story of Dominique’s battle with pediatric cancer with the capacity crowd at THON 2016. The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon benefits the families of pediatric cancer patients through Four Diamonds. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The final hours of THON are an emotional time for dancers, volunteers and families to reflect on the impact pediatric cancer can have on children and their loved ones. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON Dancer Gina Lamm got a welcomed lift from Penn State Powerlifting Club member Connor Senft on day three of THON 2016. The Powerlifting Club provided their expertise around the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center to give dancers a well-deserved break. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion rallies the crowd in the final hour of THON 2016 on Sunday in the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Finance Captain Lily List, a senior in energy and business finance, plays with 6-year-old Emily Schmidt, of Chambersburg, during the final hours of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion greets the Ayden Gora family Sunday during Family Hour at THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers perform the line dance on the final day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Dancer Relations committee took to the stage at the Bryce Jordan to lead the more than 700 THON dancers in the 2016 ‘Line Dance’ on Saturday evening. THON 2016 concluded Sunday, Feb. 21 raising more than $9.7 million for Four Diamonds Fund Families and pediatric cancer research. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Bungee Jumpers Jump Rope Team performs Sunday, the final day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers help each other stretch their hamstrings and backs late into the evening of day two at THON 2016. The annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon benefits Four Diamonds, Conquering Childhood Cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Penn State students fill the stands at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center to support all the THON dancers, Four Diamond families and volunteers throughout the 3-day event. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Four Diamonds child Sydney Bush, center, performed ‘Shut Up and Dance With Me’ during the annual Kids Variety Show at THON 2016. The talent show features Four Diamonds children as they entertain a packed Bryce Jordan Center with raps, songs and dancing. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
A view from the stands behind the stage Saturday afternoon as the Dancer Relations captains energetically lead the entire Bryce Jordan Center in the THON 2016 line dance. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Catey Stuber, a Four Diamonds Kid from Shaffertown, PA, threw beads into the crowd during day-two of THON 2016 at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center. Catey and her family are adopted, through Four Diamonds, by the Penn State Dance Alliance. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Singer Olivia Farabaugh and her band perform for an appreciative crowd of dancers and supporters on Saturday afternoon at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Penn State student dance company ‘Peace, Love, Lyrical’ performed for the capacity crowd at the Bryce Jordan Center at the 2016 Penn State Dance Marathon. The 46-hour THON provides emotional and financial support for families impacted by pediatric cancer along with funding for critical cancer research. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Skylar Slotter, left, plays UNO with dancer friend Amanda Hanglow and Dancer Relations Committee Member Rickie Huang Saturday during the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Devon Werkheiser, star of the Nickelodean sitcom "Ned Declassified," performed for an appreciative crowd at the 2016 Penn State Dance Marathon. THON, a student-run philanthropy at Penn State, raises funds for pediatric cancer research and supports families of pediatric cancer patients with the enormous costs of treatment. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancer Garrett Field, a senior in marketing, enjoys a 10-second baby powder massage after belly flopping into the slides of strength Saturday during the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Brendon Lee, senior in energy, business and finance, and a THON entertainment captain, carries Cara on his shoulders as she plays with a beach ball Friday night at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion mascot took the stage for some dancing and photo opportunities during the early evening hours Friday night at THON 2016 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Yarianne Aquino, journalism, and Scott Deming, marketing, dance with Ari, Eli and Brooke, their THON 2016 family, on Friday night, Feb. 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Friends and dancers Jada Hill, science, and Elana Rosner, hospitality management, take the opportunity for a photo with the Nittany Lion mascot on the Bryce Jordan Center stage, Friday night at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Danielle Wegman, a junior majoring in communications and business, operates the live webcast feed for 46 LIVE, conducted by students in Penn State's College of Communications with the goal of bringing THON 2016 to webcast viewers around the world. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Ambitions dance group warmed up the crowd Friday during Pre-THON in the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Hunter, left, and Garrett Shover, of Green Castle, dance with members of Sigma Nu on Friday at THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Wati Kumwenda, a first-time dancer representing Penn State New Kensington, unpacks in the women's locker room moments before she makes her way to the dance floor to stand for 46 hours at THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Penn State Drumline performed Friday as dancers prepared for the beginning of THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers enter the Bryce Jordan Center dance floor through a cheering human tunnel just before the start of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers entered the Bryce Jordan Center to raucous cheers Friday before the start of THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON families send messages to their lost loved ones on yellow paper ribbons called "Postcards to Heaven" during the first annual Bereaved Family Balloon Release outside the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON 2016 raised more than $9.7 million for Four Diamonds and the pursuit of a cure for pediatric cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Following a much anticipated countdown to zero, the 2016 THON student-committee leadership invited the more than 700 dancers at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center to 'sit down' and relax, bringing an end to a very successful 2016 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers provide support for each other throughout the 46 hour Penn State Dance Marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center. THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Crowd favorite 'Go Go Gadget' was the last band to perform at THON 2016 prior to the reveal and conclusion of the three-day event. This was the bands sixth performance at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Dominique Bigler family embraced after sharing the story of Dominique’s battle with pediatric cancer with the capacity crowd at THON 2016. The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon benefits the families of pediatric cancer patients through Four Diamonds. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The final hours of THON are an emotional time for dancers, volunteers and families to reflect on the impact pediatric cancer can have on children and their loved ones. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON Dancer Gina Lamm got a welcomed lift from Penn State Powerlifting Club member Connor Senft on day three of THON 2016. The Powerlifting Club provided their expertise around the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center to give dancers a well-deserved break. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion rallies the crowd in the final hour of THON 2016 on Sunday in the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Finance Captain Lily List, a senior in energy and business finance, plays with 6-year-old Emily Schmidt, of Chambersburg, during the final hours of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion greets the Ayden Gora family Sunday during Family Hour at THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers perform the line dance on the final day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Dancer Relations committee took to the stage at the Bryce Jordan to lead the more than 700 THON dancers in the 2016 ‘Line Dance’ on Saturday evening. THON 2016 concluded Sunday, Feb. 21 raising more than $9.7 million for Four Diamonds Fund Families and pediatric cancer research. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Bungee Jumpers Jump Rope Team performs Sunday, the final day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers help each other stretch their hamstrings and backs late into the evening of day two at THON 2016. The annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon benefits Four Diamonds, Conquering Childhood Cancer. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Penn State students fill the stands at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center to support all the THON dancers, Four Diamond families and volunteers throughout the 3-day event. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Four Diamonds child Sydney Bush, center, performed ‘Shut Up and Dance With Me’ during the annual Kids Variety Show at THON 2016. The talent show features Four Diamonds children as they entertain a packed Bryce Jordan Center with raps, songs and dancing. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
A view from the stands behind the stage Saturday afternoon as the Dancer Relations captains energetically lead the entire Bryce Jordan Center in the THON 2016 line dance. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Catey Stuber, a Four Diamonds Kid from Shaffertown, PA, threw beads into the crowd during day-two of THON 2016 at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center. Catey and her family are adopted, through Four Diamonds, by the Penn State Dance Alliance. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Singer Olivia Farabaugh and her band perform for an appreciative crowd of dancers and supporters on Saturday afternoon at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Penn State student dance company ‘Peace, Love, Lyrical’ performed for the capacity crowd at the Bryce Jordan Center at the 2016 Penn State Dance Marathon. The 46-hour THON provides emotional and financial support for families impacted by pediatric cancer along with funding for critical cancer research. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Skylar Slotter, left, plays UNO with dancer friend Amanda Hanglow and Dancer Relations Committee Member Rickie Huang Saturday during the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Devon Werkheiser, star of the Nickelodean sitcom "Ned Declassified," performed for an appreciative crowd at the 2016 Penn State Dance Marathon. THON, a student-run philanthropy at Penn State, raises funds for pediatric cancer research and supports families of pediatric cancer patients with the enormous costs of treatment. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancer Garrett Field, a senior in marketing, enjoys a 10-second baby powder massage after belly flopping into the slides of strength Saturday during the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Brendon Lee, senior in energy, business and finance, and a THON entertainment captain, carries Cara on his shoulders as she plays with a beach ball Friday night at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Nittany Lion mascot took the stage for some dancing and photo opportunities during the early evening hours Friday night at THON 2016 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Yarianne Aquino, journalism, and Scott Deming, marketing, dance with Ari, Eli and Brooke, their THON 2016 family, on Friday night, Feb. 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Friends and dancers Jada Hill, science, and Elana Rosner, hospitality management, take the opportunity for a photo with the Nittany Lion mascot on the Bryce Jordan Center stage, Friday night at THON 2016. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
Danielle Wegman, a junior majoring in communications and business, operates the live webcast feed for 46 LIVE, conducted by students in Penn State's College of Communications with the goal of bringing THON 2016 to webcast viewers around the world. Credit: Laura Waldhier / Penn State. Creative Commons
The Ambitions dance group warmed up the crowd Friday during Pre-THON in the Bryce Jordan Center. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Hunter, left, and Garrett Shover, of Green Castle, dance with members of Sigma Nu on Friday at THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Wati Kumwenda, a first-time dancer representing Penn State New Kensington, unpacks in the women's locker room moments before she makes her way to the dance floor to stand for 46 hours at THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Penn State Drumline performed Friday as dancers prepared for the beginning of THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers enter the Bryce Jordan Center dance floor through a cheering human tunnel just before the start of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
Dancers entered the Bryce Jordan Center to raucous cheers Friday before the start of THON 2016. Credit: Bill Zimmerman / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON families send messages to their lost loved ones on yellow paper ribbons called "Postcards to Heaven" during the first annual Bereaved Family Balloon Release outside the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, the second day of THON 2016. Credit: Photo by Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons
THON 2016, with the theme “Believe Beyond Boundaries," wraps on Sunday, Feb. 21, with the reveal of the fundraising total at 4 p.m. The entire weekend can be viewed through a live webcast at http://www.thon.org/.
Keep watching Penn State News and the University’s social media accounts for the latest on THON 2016.
Recent THON news:
Penn State alumna: 'THON doesn't stop after graduation'
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