The powerful story of THON

Written by  Facing Cancer Together
  • Bookmark and Share

Before an advance screening at witf of the new WPSU documentary, "Why We Dance: The Story of THON," Shane Beecher painted a moving portrait of his young son Charlie's cancer journey- from the anguish of a diagnosis to the comfort that the doctors, nurses, child life specialist and music therapists offered the family along the way. The Four Diamonds Fund & THON made this possible. 

charlie-beecherEach year, students across PA raise money to help kids like Charlie who are fighting a tough fight against cancer. In 2012, they raised over 10 million dollars through THON events! The Beecher family is featured in this new documentary that chronicles the student-run philanthropy, THON, and the children, families, and students who are changed by their experience.

Watch the videos below to hear Shane's story and meet the WPSU documentary producer, Jeff Hughes.

To many people, THON is a weekend-long event with 46 straight hours of dancing. What they may not see is an entire year spent raising awareness and money to conquer childhood cancer. 

thon-patch

Why We Dance: The Story of THON  will introduce you to the inspirational children battling cancer and the Penn State students who participate in THON, dedicating themselves to making a difference for others.

As the THON clock ticks down on hour 46, not a soul is left unchanged. When Why We Dance: The Story of THON airs as a 60-minute public television documentary, viewers will be touched by the selflessness of their fellow mankind. 

whywedancethon-thumb-300x170-859Learn more about THON at thon.org
Learn about the Four Diamonds Fund

Mark your calendar!  witf will air this documentary on September 27 at 9 p.m., September 29 at 4 p.m. and September 30 at 7 p.m.  

Click here to read a THON story at our Digital Quilt!

THON changes lives.
Since 1977, Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) has been raising money—now nearing $80 million dollars— to help The Four Diamonds Fund assist children and their families in the battle against childhood cancer.

Related Video

1 Comment