Following a yearlong effort to raise money in the fight against pediatric cancer, the Penn State community came together this weekend for what is reverently known as THON.

The 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon takes place every February in the Bryce Jordan Center to celebrate the proceeds collected to benefit the Four Diamonds fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.This year, students raised over $13 million, just shy of last year's record of $13,343,517.33.Since 1977, THON has donated over $114 million to Four Diamonds and has become the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.Over 600 student organizations contribute to the super-fundraiser, which amounts to about 25,000 students altogether.Students raise money through every method from bake sales to 5Ks to weekend canning trips.A number of high school graduates from here in Schuylkill, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Carbon counties made their way to Penn State to become a part of THON.For Jake Fegley of Tamaqua, THON weekend is anxiously anticipated. He said, "It is one of the most unique environments that I have been in and continue to be in. I can honestly say I look forward to this weekend each year for the kids and for the cure."Friday morning is a quiet one on campus as students get those extra few hours of sleep to fuel the long hours ahead. By afternoon, however, State College is bustling with students, locals and even visitors who made the trip to see THON for themselves.Buses run nonstop around campus all weekend as students, decked out in everything from crazy hats to tutus, make their way to and from the BJC.It's a restless weekend in the best way possible.Penn State alumnus Corey McCann of Tamaqua, who graduated last spring, couldn't wait to come back to campus. He experienced THON as a spectator for the first time this year. "The BJC is electric THON weekend. There is so much passion, energy and love that emanates from everyone," he said.The 46-hour celebration consists of live music, dance routines, a pep rally and more.Even the children benefiting from THON take part in the fun. One of the children, Savannah Keenan, took the microphone after her performance on stage and said, "I'll give you something to roar about … I'm cancer free!"