In 1973, a small group of dedicated Penn State students held our first Dance Marathon. That year, 34 dancers participated and raised $2,000. Since then, THON’s presence in the Penn State community has grown exponentially. THON now has 15,000 student volunteers, 700 dancers, and has raised more than $59 million, benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital. THON is now a year-long effort that raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. With the support of students from all across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and THON Alumni all around the world, we continue to make great strides towards finding a cure for all childhood cancers!

In 1977, THON partnered with The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, and designated The Fund as the sole beneficiary of THON’s fundraising efforts. The Four Diamonds Fund was established by Charles and Irma Millard, after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. The Fund is named after a story that Chris wrote shortly before he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 14. In Chris’ story, a knight must find the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength in order to be released from captivity by an evil sorceress. The four diamonds are symbolic of the traits Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer. The Fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may disrupt the welfare of the child. Fund supports the medical team that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute. (thon.org)

           Sigma Chi and the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta raised more than $84,000 for THON in 2009, which altogether raised a record breaking $7,490,133.87 to assist children with pediatric cancer. We are proud of our eight dancers and especially our THON child Michael Palm, who has been an inspiration to us all. 

Donating online is quick, easy, and safe. All donations to THON are tax deductible. A receipt will be mailed for all donations over $25. Click here to make an online donation For the Kids!

We appreciate all those who help us in this fight against pediatric cancer and request that when making an online donation, please list Sigma Chi as the organization you would like to give credit to for your gift when prompted on the online form. Thank you.



Sigma Chi Fraternity
Attn: THON Chair
400 East Prospect Ave
State College, PA 16801