When our 10 year old daughter Ellen was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, we had heard of THON, but we quickly learned what it was all about. Every year, over 16,500 Penn State students fundraise to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research - all in pursuit of a cure at the Milton Hershey Children's Hospital. As a result, we never saw a bill for Ellen's treatment because the Four Diamonds Fund picks up all expenses not covered by insurance for every pediatric cancer patient at Hershey. After Ellen's surgery and initial treatments, we were paired with a THON org, the Hershey Kisses. The Kisses adopted Ellen as one of their own and Ellen immediately latched onto them. The visits from the Kisses were filled with smiles and laughter and Ellen's first THON had her dancing in the stands with her new buddies. Ellen THON' ed with her Kisses for four years, and now she watches over them as they continue to dance toward a cure for childhood cancer.
We are asking for a $25 donation to participate in the float which includes transportation from the farm to our start point at Messiah College and at our end point at Lower Allen Park, we are back to the farm for an picnic. We will have a silent auction/raffle table at the picnic, so if you'd like to donate an item, please do! Gift cards to local stores and restaurants and promotional items from your company are welcome. Chances to win a custom embellished lime green (Ellen's favorite color!) kayak will be available, too. All proceeds of our event will go to THON.
Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the address below. Checks to be made to THON (Penn State Dance Marathon). To arrange a pick-up of a donation please contact us. If you have any questions please call. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and we hope you will join us in our fight against childhood cancer. Thank You!
Tracy McLain and Perry Smith