I went to Penn State University and I owe so much to that school. It is where I had some of my best (and my worst) times, it is where I grew up. When I think about the child I was when I got there and the person I became before I left I am amazed. I had some of my happiest times in Happy Valley but possibly my happiest and most fulfilling was dancing in Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). THON is a 46 hour student run philanthropy. It raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund which benefits children suffering with pediatric cancer. Dancing in THON was one of the hardest things I have ever done. My arches in my feet dropped and I was in so much pain, by the 39th hour I was falling asleep standing up and hallucinating, but I know all of that is nothing compared to what children living with cancer go through. My niece Emily has been extremely involved in THON the past 3 years and I am so happy that she shares my passion for the cause and understands just how amazing and indescribable THON really is. She text me from the floor earlier and let me know that they were doing the 2007 line dance (the year I danced) for the last time, which made me so sad and reminiscent. She also commented that I was getting old, which I will get her for later. The year I danced we raised over $5.2 million dollars, in just four short years that number jumped to $9.5 million. I know everyone hopes to hit the $10 million mark this year and as a proud donor I will be anxiously waiting to see that number. You can still donate by going here!
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