More than 600 dancers stayed awake for 48 hours to raise money during the largest student-run philanthropic event in the country, which took place in Rec Hall.

During the three years prior to this, dancers have accumulated about $5 million, all of which goes directly to the Four Diamonds Fund. Penn State's dance marathon provides about 82 percent of the funding to the organization.

Forty-one percent of the money in the fund alleviates financial concerns about care for children with cancer. Another 40 percent brings support to families and their children who have cancer. This portion helps parents afford many expenses, such as hotel rooms to stay near their children while they are undergoing surgery and chemotherapy.

Beginning this year, $1 million of the money raised will fund research to eliminate and better understand the malignancy that affects millions every year.

So congratulations are merited for all the people who helped organize, run and fund Thon this year.

Thank you to all the businesses, such as MBNA America and Penn State Federal Credit Union, which helped dancers reach their goal.

Thank you to all the members, captains and overalls of committees who spent an entire year preparing for this weekend. And thank you to all of them for ensuring Thon ran smoothly for 48 hours.

Thank you to all of the dancers who gave up much more than a weekend to fund the fight against cancer.

Congratulations to all of you on your accomplishments. Thon could not have gained such a reputation and such a large amount of money without you.

Your dedication, which was never ending, was also selfless. You gave so much to this event without asking anything for yourselves.

Thank you, and get ready to Thon on next year.