PENN STATE UNIVERSITY'S THON RAISES 12.37 MILLION DOLLARS TO FIGHT PEDIATRIC CANCER; A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 100 MILLION DOLLARS IN 41 YEARS

     I first became aware of THON when my niece and goddaughter, Sydney, was a freshmen at Penn State.  As a member of the university's Lionettes Dance Team, I saw how Sydney - along with thousands of other Penn State students became vital parts of THON and how they are compassionately involved with this extraordinary and spectacular event.

     Sydney graduated in 2009, but she and so many other alumni continue to give from the heart and come back each year to Penn State to help wherever they can with THON; and, as her uncle and godfather, Sydney's energetic enthusiasm has contagiously given me an emotional connection to this grand phenomenon, which is affectionately known as THON.

     The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, according to the THON Web site, is to "conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers and staff of The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital."

     THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.  From beginning to end, more than 16-thousand students give their all in a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness - as their motto proclaims - "to help conquer childhood cancer for the kids."  Including this past weekend - where a record 12.37 million dollars were donated - THON has now raised more than 100 million dollars since 1973. 

     On Friday night, February 15th, 2013, 710 Penn State students began their 46-hours of movin' and shakin' with no sittin' and no sleepin' at the Bryce Jordan Center on the PSU campus in State College, Pennsylvania.   They'd lindy, they'd limbo...they'd jitterbug and twist.  They'd hustle and bump; and dance every step imaginable while triumphantly succeeding with their incredible endeavor.  As a two-time cancer survivor myself, I applaud the organizers and participants of THON and I personally appreciate their magnificent efforts.

     In its 41st year, there are thousands of college kids - (dancers and those giving moral support to the dancers) - who are committed to the cause of THON; and numerous visitors come to Penn State for THON weekend.  Alumni - especially those with past volunteer involvement such as my niece, Sydney - frequently return for this glorious and impressive celebration that covers part of three days.  Every contribution...every penny...goes to The Four Diamonds Fund to help families and their children beat cancer.  And since 1977, all THON donations have gone directly to The Four Diamonds Fund.

     Penn State students - and alumni - do not become involved with THON for reasons of ego.  Instead, they participate for a common purpose...and to do whatever they can to help find a cure for pediatric cancer.  There's a dedication and a loyalty by these students and alumni that is unbelievable.  It's a long road to fight the disease of cancer, but these Penn State kids are truly some of the most special people America has produced.  They are selfless individuals who have reportedly stated, year after year, that they don't participate in THON for recognition; and I admire each and everyone of them for their loving generosity, their sympathetic devotion and their outstanding altruism.

     The only controversy in my commentary today is the wonder why this terrific event doesn't receive more nationwide attention and the acknowledgment from people all around the world.  The Penn State students may not want recognition for themselves, but I, however, think they deserve it.  They are part of a thoughtful community that genuinely cares about others.

     It's truly a shame that some people will criticize the young people of our country.  The students of Penn State University are some of the gems of this nation who are the treasures of a new generation.  The students of Penn State are what this educational institution is all about.  The students and alumni are awesome and are worthy of tremendous accolades; as they work so very hard and should be extremely proud of their achievements and accomplishments.

     In the Frank Capra inspirational motion picture classic, It's A Wonderful Life, we learn that each and every person makes a difference, as we touch the lives of so many others - even when we don't know it.  Just as Jimmy Stewart's character, George Bailey, the students and alumni of Penn State University touch the lives of countless people - children...and adults too... with THON.  As the students of Penn State will tell you..."One day we will dance for joy...until then...we dance for LIFE."

     It is often - yet mistakenly perceived - that someone has to be wealthy in order to be considered a philanthropist.  But anyone can be philanthropic regardless of how much money they make...or how much money they give.

     Americans are unfortunately often criticized for being greedy...but actually, Americans are unparalleled for our generosity - and we are the most charitable people on Earth.  And the students of Penn State prove that every year...with THON.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.   

     And you can still donate to THON by logging on line to www.thon.org.  I hope that you will please do that today.

     Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.