As always, Family Hour at THON is undoubtedly the most sobering part of the entire weekend. The THON 2021 Weekend’s rendition was no exception, despite being virtual.
Family Hour began with a montage of Four Diamonds families and children describing what THON means to them. Family Relations Director Anne Papandreas welcomed the virtual crowd and introduced the montage.
“We unify to continue to telling the stories of those we lost,” Papandreas said.
Four Diamonds co-founder Charles Millard followed. Millard started the Four Diamonds. In an emotional interview,
“Each year is different and exciting and stands on its own, but put them all together and it’s magnificent what it’s done,” Millard said. “There’s no place in the world that does what THON does.”
POTD-2 5 21-THON Gift Boxes
Anne Papandreas, THON family relations director, prepares one of the many gift boxes that will be sent to Four-Diamonds families. Each box offers a variety of fun items and activities that families can use while viewing the 2021 virtual Penn State Dance Marathon Feb. 19 to 21. THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
IMAGE: Patrick Mansell