Several area graduates participated in this past weekend’s Penn State THON 2026 event that raised a record $18.8 million.

As the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON raises millions of dollars each year for Four Diamonds, funding pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families fighting childhood cancer.

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

Sisters Madison and Gabby Brown of Franklin Township were among those who participated.

Madison, a senior at University Park, said she didn’t fully understand what THON was when she first came to Penn State as a freshman.

A member of Penn State Club Field Hockey and Pi Beta Phi sorority, the Lehighton Area High School Class of 2022 graduate said she only knew it was a 46-hour dance marathon each February in support of pediatric cancer, “and I knew I wanted to be part of it, but I didn’t realize how deeply it could change your life.”

“Now, as a senior, THON is so much more than a dance marathon to me,” Madison said. “It represents hope and the power of an entire community coming together for something bigger than themselves.

“For families who have gone through the unthinkable, THON is a reminder that they are not alone. Seeing the joy this weekend brings to the children and the smiles on their faces reminds me why I THON. Every hour of work that goes into this event helps create brighter futures, better days, and more reasons for these kids to smile.”

Qualifying for THON

This year, Madison said she raised money for THON 2026 as an Independent Dancer Couple alongside her current roommate, Julia Zambrio. They raised money all year to be put into a lottery system for the chance to be selected as a THON dancer.

She said one of their most generous local donors was the Carbon County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association.

“After a semester of hard work, Julia and I found out we were selected as dancers in THON 2026 by an email at the end of January,” Madison said. “We were so unbelievably excited when we got the email, and even broke our couch from jumping on it.”

In addition to fundraising for her independent dancer couple, Madison also participated in various fundraising events with her club field hockey team and her sorority, and added one of the most difficult things she participated in was a 46-mile run in 46 hours, a challenge that required a lot of determination and resilience.

This past weekend, Madison said she danced for 46 straight hours at THON 2026 in the Bryce Jordan Center.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it still doesn’t compare to what THON children and their families face every single day,” she said, adding that by the end of the weekend, THON 2026 raised an incredible $18.8 million. “Every dollar goes toward an amazing cause, and being even a small part of that impact is something I will carry with me forever.”

Can’t wait for next year

Madison’s sister, Gabby Brown, is a sophomore at Penn State University — University Park, where she is a also a member of the Penn State Club Field Hockey team and Pi Beta Phi sorority.

The Lehighton Area High School Class of 2024 graduate said she stood in the stands for all 46 hours (no sitting and no sleeping) with her club, Club Field Hockey, and their partner, Club Baseball.

Gabby said she participated not only to represent her club, but also to support her sister, Madison, with the goal that by the time she’s a senior, she hopes to be chosen as a THON dancer by her club.

“THON is easily my favorite weekend of the school year, and the event I look forward to the absolute most,” Gabby said. “Seeing the entire Penn State community unite to raise money for children with cancer, while standing alongside my best friends in Club Field Hockey and Club Baseball, means everything to me.

“Standing for 46 hours straight with no sitting or sleeping, along with running 46 miles in 46 hours this past October with my club, was definitely challenging. Still, every part of that challenge is completely worth it for the kids and for such an unforgettable weekend. I already cannot wait to do it all over again next year.”

‘Surreal’

Carsen Rosenberger, a senior at Penn State studying animal science with s focus in business, has attended Main Campus all four years and has “loved every second.”

Rosenberger, of Jim Thorpe, said she was selected to participate in the event through her service organization, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, which raised $282,000.

She was one of four dancers selected by their 250-plus member organization, and has held various THON positions in her time with Epsilon Sigma Alpha, including primary THON chair and donor and alumni relations chair.

Rosenberger said “it felt surreal” when she was selected.

“Being chosen as one of four dancers for my organization meant a lot to me, especially knowing how much time and effort everyone puts in throughout the year,” Rosenberger said. “I felt proud to represent the work we do to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.”

Rosenberger added, “The event was beautiful; it shows us what the true definition of love and unity is.

“Seeing thousands of college students get together to raise $18.8 million FTK, is breathtaking,” she said. “THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and I believe that 46 hours in the BJC is short compared to the time these children are in treatment fighting for their lives every single day.

Rosenberger noted that Epsilon Sigma Alpha represents two THON families, The Sumpmans and The Clemens.

“We have had the honor to support these families every step of the way, whether that was through birthdays in the hospital, or celebrating a four-year anniversary of being cancer free,” she said. “They mean the world to us, and I have had the pleasure to help them along their journey.”

THON host

Cassie Hager, a first-year student at Penn State University studying broadcast journalism in the Bellisario College of Communications and Schreyer Honors College, was selected as a host for the THON livestream.

Hager said that after the involvement fair in the first week of the fall semester, she joined Pillar, a special interest organization benefiting THON.

Shortly after she joined the organization, Hager applied to be its freshman chair.

“Thankfully, I was selected and was able to start attending their executive board meetings and learn more about THON from the older members,” Hager said. “Additionally, I auditioned to be a host for the 46LIVE livestream.”

In her audition, Hager had to complete a role-play and act as if it were the middle of the night at THON, maintaining energy and encouraging people to tune in and donate.

“I was beyond nervous, as I was auditioning in front of a room filled with experienced seniors,” she said. “But I let my knowledge of Four Diamonds and THON’s history guide me through the audition, and I just hoped for the best.”

A week or so later, Hager said she was notified that she had been selected to be a host for them, alongside some of the most accomplished students in Bellisario.

“Being the only underclassman selected for a 46LIVE host position was incredible,” she said. “I remember immediately calling my parents after hearing the news and just being ecstatic.

“It’s a big deal within Bellisario to be selected as a host for the THON livestream, so I never expected to be chosen as a freshman. I was beyond grateful that the executive producers saw potential in me.”

‘Magical’

Hager was clearly stoked by the experience.

“THON was more amazing than I could have ever anticipated it would be,” she said.

“Older friends and cousins who went to Penn State told me how magical it was and that it would change my life.

“And, now that it’s over, I can most definitely say it was those things and more. Hosting a livestream that was viewed by over 150,000 people from over 60 different countries was surreal.”

Hager said when she wasn’t with 46LIVE, she was in the stands with Pillar cheering on their six dancers, and added, “Watching the Penn State community all come together to support Four Diamonds was surreal.

“THON creates a sense of unity that is hard to find anywhere else these days,” she said. “Laughing, crying, and dancing with people you never expected to be friends with was one of my favorite parts of THON.

“I made friendships that I never expected to make, and for that, I am beyond grateful. THON taught me that when we work together, we can achieve great things.

“I was honored to be a part of something bigger than myself. This event was, undoubtedly, the highlight of my freshman year, and I am already counting down the days until we stand again next year.”

While at Palmerton Area High School, Hager supported Four Diamonds by participating in Palmerton Area High School’s Mini-THON events during her freshman, sophomore and senior years.

“In my senior year, I had the opportunity to tour the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital with my fellow student council officers and meet Four Diamonds families in person,” she said. “I will never forget one father coming up to our group and telling us how much our efforts have positively impacted his family.

“This moment was the reason that I knew I wanted to be deeply involved with THON at Penn State. I hope that by getting even further involved, I will one day be selected to be a dancer and stand for all 46 hours to show my support to all of the children and families affected by childhood cancer.”

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $272 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Visit thon.org for more information.