Dancers announced for this weekend's THON

HAZLETON, Pa. - Penn State Hazleton students David Shrader and Gabe Hook, along with alternate Laura Ballek, are preparing for the annual 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping Penn State event known as THON. The world's largest student-run philanthropy, THON supports children battling cancer, and their families.

Hundreds of student dancers and thousands of student volunteers from across Penn State will congregate at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus from Feb. 20-22 for THON 2026. All proceeds from THON go to the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Health Children's Hospital. THON has raised more than $253 million to fight childhood cancer in its 49-year history, with last year's event raising a record-setting $17.7 million.

Shrader, a second-year information technology student from Drums, Pennsylvania, and Hazleton's THON chair, said he joined the organization last year to become more involved on campus.

"I had never heard of THON before coming to Penn State, and I was blown away when I learned about the cause and the impact it has on families," Shrader said.

Now in a leadership role, Shrader said the experience has been very meaningful.

"Our group came together like a family to support a great cause and each other," he said. "We nearly tripled the amount of money raised last year, but we're always pushing to do more."

Hook, a third-year engineering student from Berwick, said his involvement in THON has helped him connect with like-minded peers.

"I became involved in THON to meet hard-working people who seek the best for their communities," he said. "Seeing how much my friends have grown and matured through THON inspired me to get involved."

Ballek, a first-year student from Effort who plans to major in rehabilitation and human services and kinesiology, said she is looking forward to experiencing THON firsthand.

"Everyone is there for the same reason - for the kids," she said. "I'm excited to be part of such a positive and supportive environment."

While the physical challenge of dancing for 46 hours is demanding, the students say it pales in comparison to what children with cancer face every day.

"Dancing in THON is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with other dancers and the Four Diamonds families to make lifelong memories and connections," Shrader said. "It also gives us a glimpse into the struggles of the kids who are fighting cancer daily, putting everything into perspective. And there's no better cause."