Penn State Altoona dancers shine as THON 2026 sets fundraising record

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State THON 2026 closed out with yet another record-breaking total, raising $18,841,726.53 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital. This surpasses last year's total by more than $1.1 million.

More than 700 students danced and stood without sleep for 46 hours during THON Weekend - from 6 p.m. Feb. 20 through 4 p.m. Feb. 22 - at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.

Altoona's four dancers were Ella Posada, Emma Peterman, Kirsten Milliron, and Emily Galeschewski, members of Altoona Benefiting THON (ABT), Penn State Altoona's student THON organization.

ABT met and exceeded its fundraising goal of $75,000, raising the most it has in the last decade.

Co-executive director Neya Kratzer says she could not be more proud of the work and dedication of ABT members.

"This year was especially bittersweet for me as a senior, but it was the best full circle moment I could imagine," Kratzer says. "Being part of ABT has easily been the highlight of my college experience. It filled my heart watching our amazing dancers represent ABT perfectly. It's inspiring to watch everyone pour their hearts into the organization that I've held so close to my heart for many years. THON has given me purpose as a Penn State student. THON is proof that lives can be changed every day by embracing the power of love. I can't wait to watch love continue to lead ABT forward."