When you walk into the Bryce Jordan Center in State College on THON weekend, you see a rainbow of color as thousands of students dance their feet off for a cause.

By the end of the 46-hour event, the dancers are exhausted from lack of sleep, their feet blistered and their bodies aching; but their heart is happy because they have done something great for thousands of families affected by pediatric cancer.For area Penn State seniors, Devin Parambo and Kristen Halenar, both of Summit Hill, this latest THON, which took place Feb. 21-23, was bittersweet."It was a very surreal moment," Parambo said recently."I knew my role as a student volunteer was officially over and I would no longer get to have this direct impact on THON anymore. However, I know that I won't stop fighting in the battle against pediatric cancer until the battle is won, so it's pretty cool to think that I will have a new THON experience as a THON alumnus," Parambo said."It is something that has truly changed my life, and I will never forget the incredible memories I have made throughout the years," Halenar added."I also thought it was amazing how supportive everyone back home was throughout my fundraising efforts and during THON weekend while I was dancing."Parambo, who is majoring in kinesiology, was the special events captain during this past THON. She organized and ran the "THON's Got Talent" competition, while Halenar, a nursing major, had a larger role in the finance side of THON.She served as a member in a finance committee and counted money that came in for the event, as well as served as the THON Family Relations Chair for the Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania.The THON experienceTHON was created decades ago as a yearlong fundraising and awareness campaign to help in the fight against pediatric cancer.To date, Penn State students have raised over $101 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The fund, according to the THON website, "picks up where insurance leaves off, enabling families to solely focus on care for their child."During THON the Bryce Jordan Center comes alive with the sights and sounds of thousands of students coming together to dance their hearts out for a good cause.They cannot sit or sleep during the event, explained Halenar, who danced during the event."After being awake and on my feet for 46 hours straight, it felt amazing to sit down, but nothing can compare to the sense of accomplishment I felt," she said."It made me realize that there is nothing in life that is impossible, and I was actually shocked by how fast the weekend flew by. When we sat down, the mother of our paired Four Diamond's child hugged me and thanked me for everything I did for her and her family this year," Halenar said."That was the only thing I needed to hear to prove that those 46 hours were entirely worth every bit, and I was completely humbled by her words."One of the greatest sights, Parambo noted, were the colors of the event."The entire arena looked like a huge rainbow from all the different shirt colors," she said. "It was honestly breathtaking!"What makes THON so great?Both Parambo and Halenar agreed that the whole experience during the days leading up to the event, as well as the 46 hours of non-stop activities, are great. But the reason behind it is even better."I love absolutely everything about THON, but something that really sticks out to me is the way in which thousands of college students, who have so much else going on within their lives, come together to dedicate so much into helping kids who really need it," Halenar said."After being a family relations chair, I realized firsthand how much of an influence our involvement with THON has on each Four Diamond child's life. The immense emotional support the families obtain from our dedication is something that cannot be found anywhere else."The kids really love spending time with us, and their families really appreciate having all of our support and welcome us like we are a part of their family," said Halenar."The best part about THON is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces as you let them squirt you in the face with a water gun, as well as feeling the positive energy in the Bryce Jordan Center just before the total is revealed," Parambo said."It just amazes me that something I've given my time and dedication to has given me so much more back in return. THON definitely is an indescribable event, and it is truly nothing short of a miracle," she added.Kristen is the daughter of Robert and Beth Halenar of Summit Hill. Devin is the daughter of Tom and Margie Parambo of Summit Hill.