Photo Submitted by Tammy Golden
Freshman Trent Golden sits on the shoulders of his fellow Thon participant in 2009.
Last year, members of Student Council noticed that surrounding districts were organizing “Mini-thons”, and decided that they, too, wanted to help in the effort to fight childhood cancer.
Thon is a two day dance marathon organized by Penn State students in an effort to help families affected by childhood cancer. Now, in its 40th consecutive year, it is the largest, student-run philanthropy in the world, having raised $12,374,034 in its 2013 event. 74% of its profits help eliminate childhood cancer through experimental research and the remaining money goes directly to families that have a child currently fighting cancer. More than 15,000 students at Penn State participate in Thon every year.
This coming February, YSHS is holding its very own Mini-thon. Its profits will go directly to the 4 Diamonds fund, (Penn State’s endowment dedicated to the research of pediatric cancer). The overnight fundraiser will include dancing and games in all parts of the building, including the gym, cafeteria, and sports fields. The goal is $10,000.
Trent Golden, a freshman at York Suburban, who faced Leukemia as a child and has attended Thon for the past 10 years, described the event as “energetic, fun, and definitely loud.” He also says that having cancer and then being in remission has “made him more of a positive person because he has been given a second chance at life.” Trent hopes that through Thon, and Mini-thon, kids just like him will be given a second chance.
History teacher and assistant student council advisor Oliver Good, student council co-adviser who is helping to organize the project, said, “I hope everyone will get involved. It’s a really great cause and by raising a few dollars and having fun, you can help to save a child’s life. We also have a few Four Diamond families, which are families with kids who have had cancer and have been helped by the endowment, so that’s why we were so eager to start the fundraiser.” The Four Diamonds Fund is truly a great cause and students should consider donating and or participating in Mini-thon this coming February.