It's the biggest two-day party on campus every year.

This year nine bands, 272 dancing couples, hundreds of spectators, 28 six-foot subs and 110 pizzas will all contribute to the frenzied, exhausting fun of this year's Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon.

Unfortunately the deadline to be the life of this party passed weeks ago. But don't despair, even though it's too late to become a couple or join the morale commmittee, there's still plenty of time to be a part of this year's dance marathon.

Moral support for the dancers is essential and most students know at least one dancing couple. As the 48 hours wear on, fatigue sets in. Early Sunday morning, dancers begin to wander aimlessly around the White Building gymnasium. Sacrificing some sleep to bring a snack, a small present, a smile or a hug to a friend can keep them dancing.

Even more importantly, spectators can donate money at the door during the entire course of the event.

Since 1977, the dance marathon has raised more than $2 million for the Four Diamonds Fund, which provides financial support for families with children being treated for cancer at the University's Hershey Medical Center. Money raised by the marathon makes up more than 60 percent of the fund's total budget each year.

In fact, the marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the United States and something all Penn Staters, Greek and non-Greek can take pride in.

The men and women who go through this stamina test for charity are to be saluted. By the time it's all finished they will feel like they've taken a "cruise around the world," and swam every inch.

But it's all worth it. Year after year, students in the marathon have proved that the pain of twisting and swaying for two days straight means little next to the joy that comes from giving hope to a sick child.

A little effort on every Penn Stater's part this weekend, whether they are formally affiliated with the marathon or not, can help in a worthy cause -- the Four Diamond Funds.