Penn State's annual dance marathon, THON 2026, has set a new fundraising record, raising $18,841,726.53 for children battling cancer — topping last year's record by more than $1.1 million.

According to Penn State, the total was revealed Sunday (February 22) at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus, wrapping up a 46-hour marathon that began at 6 p.m. on Friday (February 20). All funds raised go to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, which supports pediatric cancer research and ensures that no family of a patient at the hospital ever receives a medical bill.

The new total surpasses THON 2025's record of $17,737,040.93 and marks the fifth straight year that THON has set an all-time fundraising high. More than 700 students danced and stood without sleep for the full 46 hours as part of the event.

As reported by StateCollege.com, THON has now raised more than $272 million since partnering with Four Diamonds in 1977. The organization has assisted more than 5,500 families and helped build comprehensive care services for pediatric cancer patients.

Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds, reflected on the milestone. "This is our 49th year of partnership between THON and Four Diamonds, and there have been significant strides made during that time," she said. "Survival rates have increased, which is fantastic. New treatments have been discovered and able to be put into our children's lives to extend their lives and to make their lives better. But we still have work to do, and that's why we're here and will continue to be here until we have a time where we, as we like to say, dance in celebration because we found a cure."

This year's event carried the theme "Love Leads Forward." Vraj Patel, THON 2026's Public Relations Director, said the weekend captured the spirit of that message. "We are proud to have love lead us forward for our families, volunteers and supporters, where people have the freedom to dream, inspire and incite passion for a future about childhood cancer alongside our sole beneficiary Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital," he said.

The weekend featured a surprise Friday night concert by indie pop and neo soul band Fitz and the Tantrums, best known for their hit 'HandClap.' The band performed a set that included songs like 'Out of My League,' 'The Walker,' and 'MoneyGrabber.'

The Saturday night pep rally was emceed by Penn State alumni Juwan Johnson, a former Nittany Lion football player and current New Orleans Saints tight end, and his wife Chanen Johnson, a former Penn State gymnast. New Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell also made an appearance, along with former quarterback and current assistant coach Trace McSorley. The Penn State men's soccer team won the pep rally competition for best performance.

As noted by Local 21 News, Penn State Harrisburg contributed more than $38,000 to the total, ranking fourth among the university's commonwealth campuses.

THON is considered the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, involving more than 16,500 student volunteers each year. The fundraising cycle runs year-round, beginning in July, and includes events like the THON 5K, a Family Carnival, and a mid-cycle campaign called "Dream Forward," which alone raised more than $2 million this year.

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