Mara-THON fundraiser
A 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. Nearly $11.7 million raised in 2020 for families dealing with childhood cancer and more than 16,500 student volunteers, including Cranberry Township native Michael Warchola.
This is THON, a student-run organization, started in 1973, that initiates year-long fundraising for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital.
“THON is a tremendous example of unity among people,” said Warchola, who graduated from Seneca Valley in 2018. “I think it has the capability to resonate with people across the planet.”
Operating out of Penn State, THON provides financial and emotional support for families navigating childhood cancer.
Warchola's first encounter with the organization was in 2014, when his older sister, Maria, a fellow Seneca Valley graduate, became a THON dancer wellness captain of morale for the 2014 marathon.
“She always mentioned her involvement in THON to our family,” Warchola said. “It was hard for me to conceptualize that a bunch of college kids could come together and raise millions of dollars for childhood cancer.”
One of the things Warchola most remembers about his sister's experience is seeing her dance every hour on stage before thousands of spectators.
“This for me was the coolest thing in the world,” Warchola said. “What I experienced that weekend was so indescribably magical, empowering and inspirational to the point where it had moved me to tears.”
That was the moment Warchola knew he wanted to join THON.
Now, he's the media relations captain for the public relations committee.
“This position intrigued me as I am studying to one day be a part of the advertising/public relations industry,” Warchola said.
Warchola said volunteering for THON gives him industry experience while championing a cause close to his heart.
“I believe this is a message that we need to hear more about nowadays,” Warchola said.
Being on the media team means Warchola is responsible for writing media alerts and pitches.
These have become especially important as THON adapts to the coronavirus pandemic. The Feb. 19 to 21 dance marathon will be virtual to maintain pandemic safety standards.
“It has encouraged THON volunteers to be creative,” Warchola said.
For instance, Warchola said THON will provide dancers with a recipe book. The recipes are designed to sustain dancers through the 46-hour event.
Continuing to help others through dark times like the pandemic is why THON is so inspiring, according to Warchola.
“Childhood cancer has not disappeared,” Warchola said. “It is our mission to continue supporting the families in the safest way possible.”
The public can learn more about THON at thon.org.
