SPOTLIGHT Cancer Charity of the Day....THON

It's only fitting that our SPOTLIGHT Cancer Charity of the day focuses on one that @abolishcancer connected with at the start of 2010. @THON is the largest student-run philanthropic organization in the world and is connected with the students at Penn State University. Through their numerous events and promotions, capped off by their 48 hour dance marathon, @THON raises money in the battle versus childhood cancer. Since @THON began in 1973 they have raised an astonishing 69 million dollars in the fight.

Last January, a Penn State University Junior, @PatHowley agreed to sponsor @abolishcancer with all proceeds going towards @THON. Little did we all know of the viral explosion that would occur following.....read post from last year.

It's unselfish acts like Pat's (he ended up raising a total of $8,000 for @THON) that demonstrate the power of people to connect and make a difference. @THON embodies the spirit of uniting, and giving, for such a worthy cause. From the @THON web site, www.thon.org, here is a description of their work.....

"Welcome to THON.org, the online home of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world! The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately referred to as THON, is excited to have you join us in our fight to conquer childhood cancer. In 1973, a small group of dedicated Penn State students held our first Dance Marathon. That year, 39 dancer couples participated and raised $2,000. Since then, THON’s presence in the Penn State community has grown exponentially. THON now has 15,000 student volunteers, 700 dancers, and has raised more than $69 million, benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital. THON is now a year-long effort that raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. With the support of students from all across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and THON Alumni all around the world, we continue to make great strides towards finding a cure for all childhood cancers!"

Last year @THON raised 7.8 million dollars in the fight, here's a video recap.....

@abolishcancer was built under the assumption that "power in numbers", rather than isolation, will help us end cancer. @THON is an example of how one person, one group, one college campus, can unite the the greater good of others for a common cause.

We hope to connect with @THON for an upcoming Twitterthon, but until then..... as the @THON slogan says.....keep fighting "FTK...For The Kids".