[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H1216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                                  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.

                          ____________________