The 2001 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon brought the cure for pediatric cancer "Within Reach," breaking their donation record for the fourth year in a row.

Bringing in $3,609,830.07, this year's Thon raised nearly half a million dollars more than last year, even without the donation from Alpha Sigma Phi, which lost its charter last semester.

"I think it really goes to show what happens when students come together," said Daniel Halperin, dancer for the Undergraduate Student Government. "Thon is an emotional powerhouse. It takes over the mind and soul."

The top greek money raisers were Delta Upsilon fraternity, 229 Locust Lane, with Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, 15 Hiester Hall, in third place raising $209,337.69 and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, 409 E. Fairmount Ave. with Alpha Chi Omega sorority, 101 Hibbs Hall, in second place raising $300, 010.38.

For the sixth year in a row, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmount Ave., and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, 2 Ritner, won the top money raising honors for greek money raisers. This year they raised $342,345.18, beating their previous total by almost $40,000.

"We put everything we have into it," said Christine Frazer, Thon chair for Zeta Tau Alpha. "The kids motivate us. We strive each year to beat our own total. It's not about being number one, it's about bringing in as much money as we can for the kids."

The number one commonwealth campus for the second year in a row was Fayette Campus raising $64,610.89, beating their total from last year by almost $4,000.

Coming in fourth place for commonwealth campuses, Wilkes-Barre Campus raised $15,965.92. In third place was Delaware County Campus with $16,865.93 followed by Penn State Abington College in second place with $20,307.72 raised.

Phi Gamma Nu fraternity came in first for independent organizations with $40,319.04. In second place was the Student Athletic Advisory Board with $26,447.56 and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life came in third with $18,275.37.

"We made a promise to the Four Diamonds four years ago that we would donate $5 million dollars over the next five years," Walt Breuninger, Thon overall chairperson said. "In 1999 we met that promise and donated $1 million. Last year we donated $2 million. We knew all along we were within reach of that commitment, and this year we did it, fulfilling our promise two years early."

Charles Millard, who founded the Four Diamonds Fund in 1972 along with his wife, Irma Millard, was present for 2001 Thon.

Millard founded the Four Diamonds after his son, Christopher Millard, died of pediatric cancer in 1972. The Four Diamonds Fund joined with the Penn State IFC and PHC in 1977.

"This year's Thon is amazing," Millard said. "I've been to 23 out of the 25 past years of Thon and each has its own identity, but each is the same in its energy, drive and spirit. It's simply phenomenal."

Thon raises 86 percent of the Four Diamonds Funds' monetary contributions. Money raised for the Four Diamonds assists with the financial, emotional and physical struggle faced by children with cancer and their families at the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey. No family that has needed assistance has ever been turned away and more than 2,000 families have been helped since its creation in 1972.

With over 660 dancers, 2,000 student volunteers and 25,000 spectators, it's difficult for those involved not to become overwhelmed by the excitement and love on the floor of Rec Hall.

"Thon this weekend has been really fun," said Crystal Castle, a 17-year-old patient at the Children's Hospital in Hershey. Castle was diagnosed with cancer in 1995.

"Penn State students have inspired me so much I have started a mini-Thon in my own high school. Last year we raised over $7,000. This March we hope to raise over $10,000."

Dancers for Thon are not allowed to sit, kneel or sleep during the entire 48-hour marathon. Only six dancers had to drop out before 7 p.m. yesterday when Thon ended. No major injuries have ever occurred as a result of Thon.

"I've been excited for Thon since September," Theresa Lee, dancer for South Halls Residence Association said. Lee injured her left ankle four weeks prior to Thon, chipping a bone and tearing her tendon. She decided to dance anyway, ankle brace and all.

"It's all about the kids, they look at you like you're gods, and all you want to do is help them," she said. "It's such an emotional event."