Steve Johnson expressed his gratitude to all the participants in Thon.

"Thon is really important to us. It's really a second family," Johnson said.

"I think the students that are giving all their time are the heroes."

As Johnson laughed and joked with his daughter, he said it's also a time to celebrate for the Johnson family.

"We're also excited because Katie finishes treatment next month," Johnson said.

"In December, she's done."

Adam Duff, Thon overall chair, was pleased with the event's turnout.

"This was just an incredible day altogether," Duff said.

It was incredible to see so many people there, including alumni, Thon organizers, fund-raising organizations, Four Diamonds staff and Four Diamonds families, Duff said.

"It just shows how Penn State is united in the fight against pediatric cancer," Duff added.

Marketing captain Courtney Poillon (sophomore-marketing) was proud of the success of the carnival.

She motioned toward her heart as she said, "It gets you right there every time."

The event concluded with the unveiling of the new Thon logo. The logo combined this year's theme, "Always Believing," with artwork provided by a Penn State student.

The image shows a little boy holding a teddy bear while looking at a star.

Jeff Sirkin (senior-electrical engineering) said he is a fan of the new logo because it looks less like a computer-generated image and more like a child drew it.

"It gives more of a feeling of the kids," Sirkin said.