When asked during an assembly to stand if they knew someone who had cancer, not a single Palmerton Area High School student was left sitting.

The widespread reach of the dreaded disease is a driving force behind the student council’s decision to host the school’s first Mini-THON in recent memory.

“There are too many people, not just in our community, who have had to deal with the effects of pediatric cancer,” said Palmerton senior student council officer Jake Martinez, one of the organizers. “That needs to change. This event is bigger than all of us. We can set aside our differences, come together for a long night and truly help others.”

Student council advisers Josh Nenscel and Jeana Baumgardt, while brainstorming ideas to get more people involved, reflected on the dance marathons held in their high school days. From there, the idea for the current event was born.

The Mini-THON will be held at the high school overnight on Feb. 16-17 with funds raised going to Four Diamonds, which has assisted 100 percent of the childhood cancer patients who have been treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Student council set a fundraising goal of $7,500 and, as of Tuesday morning, had reached $4,472. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/2CAs7iF.

In the United States, more children die from cancer than any other disease, with 16,000 kids diagnosed every year, according to Four Diamonds.

“We really hope our fellow students take away the rewarding feeling of giving back and donating to those in need,” said Payton Lesher, student council officer.

According to Devyn Hauser, student council officer, fundraisers to date have included Mini-THON merchandise and half-court shots at a basketball game against Northern Lehigh. A Mr. Palmerton pageant is also planned.

“The cause is very important to me because I want to help the world in any way I can,” Hauser said. “This is just one way to do that.”

Mini-THON events are still being finalized but could include games, karaoke, scavenger hunts and guest speakers.

Student council officer Mia Fantasia said she is hopeful the Mini-THON becomes an annual event.

“We hope students will realize the impact they are making and will continue this in Palmerton,” Fantasia said.