The publication is reproduced in full below:
THON
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, thank, and express my sincerest gratitude for an incredible group of students at the Pennsylvania State University--Penn State.
On February 18 at 4 p.m., Penn State students, staff, family, friends, volunteers, and spectators filled the Bryce Jordan Center for the 50th Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more widely known as THON, to raise money for the Four Diamonds Foundation.
Since 1973, student volunteers have come together at Penn State to raise money for the Penn State Health Children's Hospital. In 1977, THON partnered with the Four Diamonds Foundation, and since then not a single Four Diamonds family has received a medical bill thanks to the tireless work and dedication of Penn State students.
The Four Diamonds was founded by Charles and Irma Millard in 1972 after their son, Christopher, lost his battle with cancer at age 11. Before Christopher passed away, he wrote a story about a great knight who sought out the four diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength to be saved from an evil sorceress. His parents realized those four qualities were all necessary to overcome cancer, and they created the Four Diamonds Fund in his memory.
Mr. Millard passed away in November of 2021 at the age of 93, but his legacy through THON and his foundation will no doubt live on forever.
Over the past 50 years, THON has grown into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. In the first year, 78 students danced for 30 hours straight and raised just over $2,000. Today, THON is a 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon celebrating nearly 17,000 students' yearlong fundraising efforts to help end childhood cancer.
Thankfully, after a virtual event last year, 667 dancers and tens of thousands of student volunteers and supporters attended the event in-
person. Students stood from 6 p.m. on Friday, February 18, until 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 20. While it was an impressive feat to hold, what is even more incredible is the drive, fortitude, and flexibility these students showed in their commitment to this cause.
This past year, the pandemic prohibited students from hosting many of their traditional bake sales, ribbon sales, or other fundraisers that Pennsylvanians have been accustomed to seeing throughout the Commonwealth. Despite this, THON shattered previous fundraising records by bringing in more than $13.7 million for the kids.
{time} 1045
Over the last 50 years, THON has now donated more than $200 million to Four Diamonds Fund, undoubtedly saving hundreds of lives.
While it is no easy feat to stand for 46 hours, the real highlight of this event comes on Sunday afternoon, shortly before the event concludes. During what is known as Family Hour, THON invites Four Diamonds families onto the stage to share their experiences with the Children's Hospital, Four Diamonds, and THON.
This year, Jacquie Homan shared the story of how her son was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma at age 2. Thanks to Penn State Children's Hospital, Declan is officially 5 years cancer-free, and Jacquie said that the support from the THON community had an immeasurable impact on helping their family cope with and move forward from this diagnosis.
I am inspired by Declan and every other child and family who find themselves battling cancer and am in awe of their strength and their spirit as they keep fighting.
I am also proud of the Penn State students who continue to be so committed to this cause. And I am incredibly proud of the work done by the Four Diamonds Foundation and Penn State Children's Hospital as they conduct lifesaving research and ensure no family ever receives a bill.
Congratulations, once again, to everyone involved in this year's THON.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 38
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up