Pennridge’s MiniTHON Asks You to Stand for a Cure for Pediatric Cancer

Raising over $248,000 in the last six years, Pennridge MiniTHON is a fundraising club that aims to help support those with childhood cancer. Modeled after Penn State’s THON, the club works diligently throughout the year at various fundraising events while making preparations to host the spring main event. THON and every MiniTHON supports Four Diamonds whose mission is to “conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research” as stated on their website. They cover 100 percent of all medical expenses related to cancer care not covered by insurance for eligible Four Diamonds children. In partnership with Penn State Children’s Hospital, they have been able to assist 100 percent of childhood cancer patients treated at the hospital.

Typically a 12-hour event, Pennridge MiniTHON hosts a final fundraiser in the spring. Participants spend a full 12 hours of the event standing to “stand for a cure”. It is a day filled with games, food, and a traditional group line dance on the hour, every hour. The night ends with a dance battle and a rave-like dance party. Executive club member, Steph Gredone, says this year, “We will also be having an awesome DJ production team, and I think that will really transform the event more than ever.” The club is aiming to have as normal of an event as possible within the safety guidelines while keeping the energy high. Participants are asked to meet a fundraising goal leading up to the event and right before the night ends, club members do a final reveal of the total fundraising amount from throughout the year.

Like most things in life, covid has impacted the club’s ability to fundraise and the way they have to go about holding the main event. In accordance with state regulations, they have moved the main event outdoors and limited the time frame to five hours. Despite the limitations, the club is taking this opportunity to try new activities and methods. One new element this year is the luminary walk held the night before the main event. Club advisor, Mr. Brown, says he “is most excited to pull off the luminary walk”. People are able to buy luminary bags to pay tribute to someone who battled cancer. By incorporating new elements such as this, 2021’s MiniTHON event will look different than past years, but nonetheless will be just as fun, if not more!

Through this unprecedented year, Mr. Brown says what allows him to stay motivated and passionate is “100 percent working with motivated and good-hearted kids”. He credits a lot of the club’s organization and planning to the club’s members and their dedication. If you want to support the club and their cause, come out to this year’s main event on May 22, from 4-9 pm. Information on registration can be found on the club’s Instagram (@phsmthon). The $30 registration fee covers entrance, entertainment, food, and games. Sign up by April 30 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Stand for a cure for pediatric cancer and register now!