THON

THON got an early surprise on Friday night when just before 8 p.m., the lights dimmed and Joe Jonas (of Jonas Brothers fame) and his band DNCE took the stage for a thrilling performance.

The 46 hours of THON got under way at the Bryce Jordan Center Friday night, with more than 700 dancers joined by thousands more student volunteers, Four Diamonds Fund families and supporters who were rapidly filling in the seats throughout the arena.

THON 2017 begins at 6 p.m. Friday and continues until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Watch throughout the weekend on the live stream.

The dancers officially stand at 6 p.m. and THON kicked off the event with its pre-THON press conference, featuring Executive Director Austin Sommerer, Public Relations Director Sam Sherlock, Four Diamonds Founder Charles Millard, and Four Diamonds Director Suzanne Graney. This year is THON’s 40-year anniversary of its partnership with Four Diamonds. “I don’t know…

Both Brady Lucas and Ryan Mourey were diagnosed with leukemia as children and were supported by THON and the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey.

From fund-raising pioneers to cancer survivors, these families continue to embody THON today.

Friday marks an important milestone as the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon kicks off for the 45th time. Even more significant is, this year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of THON’s partnership with the Four Diamonds Fund.

At 6 p.m., more than 700 Penn State students will stand up on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center and for the next 46 hours will stay on their feet.

CATA once again will offer 24-hour Loop bus service for the duration of THON, which begins Friday and continues through Sunday afternoon.

Doing work for charities has always been one of Austin Sommerer’s biggest passions. Part of that comes from his parents, who have been involved in an organization called Oceans of Love, a nonprofit group in Ocean County, N.J., dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families.