Brad Heidrich had to overcome his own battle with cancer.
Now, years since his diagnosis in eighth grade, he was able to speak at this year’s “Road to THON” celebration.
With the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon approaching in 21 days, donors, supporters, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the year of committed work for THON.
Heidrich, associate cancer researcher for Johnson & Johnson, was the keynote speaker for the night.
As a former Four Diamonds child, Heidrich said THON helped his single mother pay for his medical expenses and provide as much happiness as possible during his time at Hershey Medical Center.
“My past experiences have provided me with insight into my cancer research and being a cancer survivor gave me a different perspective on life,” Heidrich said. “THON has helped me go on the path that I am on today.”
“Road to THON” is an event to celebrate this year’s hard work, Road to THON celebration co-captain Miles Urban said.
We celebrate all of the time and work the Penn State students and members outside of the community dedicated toward the upcoming dance marathon, Urban (senior- industrial engineering) said.
“It is meant to catapult everyone’s energy going into THON weekend because it is 22 days from now,” Road to THON Celebration co-captain Devin Billbrough (senior- management) said. “There is so much hard work that every one has put into THON weekend.”
At the dinner, THON advisor Barry Bram introduced the THON overall committee to the attendees and awards were given to students and community members who had dedicated their time to dance marathon.
