THON began with a single fraternity and a single sorority decades ago on Penn State's campus. However, now it has grown into so much more than that. Today, you compete for a spot on a THON committee, create speeches to get voted to dance for 46 hours straight, and plan year round for the greatest cause. I remember thinking that college kids couldn't be this passionate about raising funds for pediatric cancer, but I realize we are more passionate than I ever thought anyone could be.
Canning is a huge part of the fundraising process and a great way to become close as a THON organization. Throughout the canning weekend you have the heartwarming stories, the funny looks, and everything in between.
"I had a family walk past me as I was canning. The parents waved and said they had already donated, but the little boy took a quarter out of his pocket and put it in my can."
"One time a car that passed by me made me make the best lion roar I could..."
"My roommate watched me pack my hot dog suit, tutu, and some crazy socks when I said I was canning."
"A woman came up to me with tears in her eyes thanking for me for doing this for her grandson. The cold air suddenly became warmer in that instant."
"The youngest son of the hosting family put his allowance for the last month in our can and told us to help his friend."
"Someone told me they liked my cat onesie when I was canning and donated..."
"On the third canning trip we were in the frigid cold and a family came over to our canning group to give us a donation and hot chocolate."
"Our most successful canning trip was the one when we all wore matching bucket hats and did the THON dance from the previous year."
"I was on the street canning and a few younger boys were sitting eating at a park close to the corner. One boy came up and gave me his change, while the other two boys gave him a crazy look. He shrugged his shoulders and said he had to give something."
"My friends from other schools mailed money to my house just for THON donations."
"I did the worm on a concrete sidewalk while it was raining to get attention of drivers... it worked."
"A little girl watched me canning and gave me a bracelet she made. It was Penn State colors and I still have it."
THON is something like no other. During canning weekends, you will see a Penn State student at every corner. These stories remind you why we wake up at five in the morning to get to our spots, why we wear the strangest of outfits in a public area, and why we cry when our total is revealed. Every person who has donated anything has helped us in our fight against pediatric cancer, and we thank you.
