YORK, Pa. — The Penn State dance marathon better known as THON returns next month, for another year of supporting the fight against childhood cancer.
Thousands of students will take part in the 46-hour, no-sitting and no-sleeping event. It starts Feb. 16 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.
Twenty-five of those students are coming from Penn State York Campus. And each one is connected to the cause.
"My sister actually had brain cancer, so she was a Four Diamonds Child. So I've really been involved with THON my whole life," said Ashlyn Smith. "So I do this for her."
Smith is Penn State York’s THON chair.
Throughout the past year, she's been raising money and awareness—and she has experienced the fundraiser’s impact firsthand.
"The money that is being raised, the millions of dollars each year has helped my family personally," said Smith. "So I've seen that direct impact."
THON has become a family tradition for her and her family.
It's also become a tradition for Penn State York THON advisor Barbara Dennis.
"I think I've been doing this for 16 years now, and it's a real passion of mine," said Dennis. "Working with the students is just amazing, and what they do on THON weekend is absolutely incredible."
Dennis says the York campus group has already raised more money this year than last.
"We're small but mighty," said Dennis. "So we're so excited and we're just going to keep going."
For more information on THON or to donate, head here.