I will be introducing a resolution to congratulate THON 2026 (the Penn State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon) and to recognize the students and organizers for another great year!  This year, THON 2026:  Love Leads Forward will take place February 20-22, 2026.

As one of many families who has been a recipient of the Four Diamonds, honoring the participants for their year-long fundraising and awareness campaign to fight pediatric cancer is the least we as a legislature can do!

THON is a student-run philanthropy and is sustained by more than 16,500 volunteers who collect money throughout the year and dance for 46 consecutive hours at the Bryce Jordan Center to conquer cancer and raise awareness of the disease.

The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, the sole beneficiary of THON's fundraising since 1977, offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may affect the welfare of the child, supports the medical team that cares for the children, and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants.

Since 1973, THON has raised more than $200 million!  Last year, THON raised over $17 million, breaking the yearly record for the fourth consecutive year!  We are looking forward to 2026 being another groundbreaking year.

Because of the outstanding dedication and hard work in putting together another THON, I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation.