For the Kids

The 2024 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) raised a record $16,955,683.63 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. This surpasses the 2023 record-breaking total by nearly $2 million.

Neya Kratzer (lower left), Taylor Fleming (upper left), and Caroline Baum pre-THON

Credit: Penn State

More than 700 students danced and stood without sleep for forty-six hours—from 6:00 p.m. Feb. 16 through 4:00 p.m. Feb. 18—at the Bryce Jordan Center, including Penn State Altoona’s three chosen dancers: Caroline Baum, Taylor Fleming, and Neya Kratzer.

“Being a dancer was humbling, not only considering the sore feet and back, but being surrounded by so many people with the same goal,” says Fleming. “Nothing compares to THON—it’s unique to Penn State. Being a part of this is something I will always cherish.”

As the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON raises millions of dollars each year for Four Diamonds, funding pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families fighting childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $219 million for Four Diamonds.

It’s a certainty that Altoona Benefiting THON (ABT) members are competitive about where they place among other Commonwealth Campuses in the amount of money raised. Last year, ABT came in sixth.

Cami Santoriello (holding sign) and Adriana Quintal support Penn State Altoona’s dancers in the student section

Credit: Penn State

Energized and determined to do better, members worked doggedly since the close of THON last year to raise more awareness and more money for the cause. They organized and held several fundraisers including a car wash, pop-up shops, a silent auction, basketball and spike ball tournaments, raffles, and a pie-an-ABT-member event. They also hit the pavement grass-roots style for cash or check donations. One significant donation was $5,000 from the Matt and Tiffany Stuckey Foundation. At the close of THON weekend, Penn State Altoona had raised $69,820.16.

“I am so proud of ABT for how hard they worked this year,” says Baum. “Our devotion to the cause shows in our total. Being second among Commonwealth Campuses is such an electric feeling. I remember watching the reveal and thinking, ‘wow, we did it.’”

Taylor, Neya, and Caroline on the dance floor

Credit: Penn State

As Baum, Fleming, and Kratzer danced, cheered, and celebrated their way through THON weekend, they were supported by other ABT members in the student section, friends and family in the stands, dancers from other campuses, THON families, and each other.

“Dancing in THON 2024 was a life changing experience. The sight of thousands of people united for one purpose is truly inspiring,” says Baum.

Kratzer’s brother Collin was diagnosed with medulloblastoma brain cancer when he was 16 months old, and she was 7. The Kratzers became a Four Diamonds family in 2010 and in 2011, they were paired with Penn State Altoona and ABT through the THON Adopt-a-Family program. For 12 years the Kratzers attended nearly every annual dance marathon at University Park and made many trips to Altoona for THON events and to visit with ABT members.

Neya, Caroline, Taylor, and the Nittany Lion with Neya’s younger brother, Collin, a cancer survivor and Four Diamonds child

Credit: Penn State

When she enrolled at Penn State Altoona, it was a given Kratzer would join ABT. She’s served as a special events captain and as the community fundraising executive. But her biggest goal was to be chosen as a dancer. This year, that dream came true.

Student section support for ABT

Credit: Penn State

“Throughout my life, I’ve pictured what it would be like to dance in THON, but this experience greatly surpassed all expectations. In the hardest moments of the weekend, I thought of Collin’s strength, and it made me determined to show that cancer cannot win.”

This year’s THON theme was “Treasure Every Adventure,” chosen as it encapsulates the idea that there is beauty to be found in every moment of life.

A news release from the THON executive committee at University Park states, “Treasure Every Adventure is something that can mean different things to every single person. Big or small, long lasting or short term, everyone’s adventure is different, and everyone’s adventure has helped to further the mission of THON. This theme reminds us that we do not just have love for our families and this organization, we truly cherish this thing we know to be so special and unique.”

Geoffrey Biddle is the executive director of ABT. He says the theme resonates with him as he has deeply treasured every moment and every part of his duties. “I am beyond proud, thankful, and happy that this team was able to raise nearly $70,000, all for the kids. This year brought new hope and inspiration, showing that ABT is strong and will continue to grow for years to come.”

Baum graduates this year, bringing to a close her time as an ABT member. “This being my last year, I am filled with so many emotions, but I feel confident moving forward that this organization will continue to accomplish great things.”