‘There’s Nothing Like This Across the Country’

As THON 2018 continued on into Saturday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey walked the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center talking with Four Diamonds families battling pediatric cancer and the Penn State students supporting them.

Making a return visit to THON after appearing in 2017, he took the stage a short time later.

‘The theme of this year’s event is ‘Discovering Tomorrow’s Wonder’ and you’re making that wonder possible for young children,’ Casey said. ”The families appreciate what you’re doing. I appreciate what you’re doing. The Commonwealth appreciates what you’re doing.’

‘There’s nothing like this across the country.’

Casey’s visit was one of many moments and highlights throughout the day as the 46-hour dance marathon reached roughly its halfway mark.

The Jordan Center had reached the capacity mark by early evening and was likely to stay that way for several hours with the hugely popular pep rally set to begin at about 8 p.m.

Check out some of the scenes and stories here and in the photo gallery below.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey walked the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center before speaking at THON 2018 on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

Mid-afternoon at THON 2018. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

Disney princesses visited with Four Diamonds kids around the Jordan Center floor. Devanhi Sanchez, 6, chatted with Cinderella while sitting on Katie Hockenberry’s shoulder. Hockenberry is a member of the THON organization Apollo. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

Four Diamonds child Kaleb Brennan, 8, dances for Joy and Princess Leia on Saturday afternoon at THON 2018. Brennan is attending his fourth THON. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

Four Diamonds children rocked the runway at the kids fashion show on Saturday morning. Photo by Matt Sniegowski/StateCollege.com.

‘I’m amazed by what’s going on this weekend and proud to be a Penn Stater,’ Penn State Alumni Association Executive Director Paul Clifford said. ‘Four out of five kids diagnosed with cancer surviving is great, but you have to keep dancing until that number is five out of five.’ Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

Dancers got help stretching out as the hours wore on. Photo by Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com

See more in the gallery below.