Friday, Feb. 6, 1998
Thon fund-raisers see effects of aid
By PATRICIA TISAKCollegian Staff Writer
Complete silence filled the room as Richard Dubbs said he did not have words to relate what was in his heart except that he was grateful to the people responsible for the 1998 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
Carolyn Armstrong embraces her son, Thomas, at last night's Thon Kick-Off Dinner at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. Thanks to money from the Four Diamonds Fund, Thomas' cancer is now in remission. (Collegian Photo/Andrea Elizabeth Kohler - click for full size image)
Dubbs, a keynote speaker, related his son's experience with cancer
and how the Four Diamonds Fund helped his family through it.
"This is a joyous occasion," Dubbs said. "We're
not celebrating the cancer -- we're celebrating the life, the
hope and the selfless giving of young students in Pennsylvania."
About 800 people were present at the Thon Kick-Off Dinner held
last night at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.
The dinner officially marked the start of dance marathon.
University President Graham Spanier, who spoke briefly before
the dinner, said Thon demonstrates the true character of University
students.
"I consider the dance marathon to be one of the greatest
success stories in American philanthropy," Spanier said.
Ron Fox, of Strasburg, said he and his family came in order to
show their support for dance marathon.
"This is almost an anniversary for us," Fox said. His son Ronnie benefited from the Four Diamonds Fund, and his cancer is now in remission.
Scott French (senior-rehabilitation education) reads a pamphlet his seat at the Dance Marathon Kick-off Dinner at the Penn Stater Hotel last night. There was a large turnout for this year's first Dance Marathon event. (Collegian Photo/Andrea Elizabeth Kohler - click for full size image)
"I'm amazed at how many people support the Four Diamonds
Fund and we're very grateful to everyone who supports the Four
Diamonds Fund," Carolyn Armstrong, of Wilkes Barre, said.
Armstrong's son, Thomas, has been in remission for eight months.
Lisa Cline, of Shippensburg, said Thon is important to her family
and especially to her son, Craig, because the money raised saved
Craig's life.
"We're very grateful for all their efforts," Cline said.
After the dinner, the keynote speakers told the audience about
their families' experiences with cancer.
Frank Sente had a son with cancer who did not live through the
experience. He urged students to keep giving back to the community,
even after they graduate.
"When you leave Penn State, take a little piece of Thon with
you," Sente said, "and spread it like a nasty cancer."
Thon will be held Feb. 20 to 22 in the White Building.
