Now imagine being one of the people who is giving that child the gift of hope they might not have had before.

The 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon begins at 7 p.m. today in Rec Hall. More than 600 dancers will be on their feet for 48 hours to raise money for kids with cancer: a culmination of months of work by dancers, committee members, chairs and captains.

The amount of time and effort that has been put into this huge event is amazing. To those who have been a part of Thon for the past year making it happen, we applaud you.

And now that Thon has moved to Rec Hall, there's more room to support those who have worked so hard to make this event happen. So go support them! For those who have so selflessly donated their time to dance, raise money or coordinate Thon, it is important that we as a community -- both as a town and as a university -- unite and support such cause that could not possibly be more worthy.

While Thon has inspired colleges around the country to start their own similar philanthropies, Penn State is still a leader. Thon's constant growth is a sign of the devotion of Penn State students to be a part of a wonderful cause. This year's crowd of supporters is expected to be the largest in Thon history -- go and be a part of that incredible Penn State spirit.

Be proud to know that Thon is one of our greatest moments as a community and a university. Be proud to know that you are a part of it, whether you are a captain or supporting your dancing friends in their most difficult hours. Be proud to be a Penn Stater this weekend.

Not only is the money going toward treatment for children with cancer and the Hershey Medical Center, but the new research initiative will ensure that some of the funds raised will support research to help find a cure for a disease no child should have to endure.

If you haven't donated money to Thon, it's not too late to do so. Donations to the Four Diamonds Fund will be accepted through Feb. 21. For more information, see the official Thon World Wide Web site at www.thon.org.

Go to Thon at Rec Hall this weekend and support those who are working to give kids with cancer the chance to live a life without cancer.

And good luck to everyone involved in Thon. For the kids.