DuBOIS, Pa. — Penn State DuBois has announced the students who will represent the campus at THON Weekend 2026, to be held Feb. 20-22. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world benefiting children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
This year’s Penn State DuBois THON dancers are:
- Amber Eberly, third-year criminal justice major
- Alex Ross, first-year mechanical engineering major
- Savannah Ross, third-year criminal justice major
The students will travel to Penn State University Park to participate in THON Weekend, a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon held at the Bryce Jordan Center. The event raises funds and awareness for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
For the dancers, being selected to represent Penn State DuBois is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Being re-selected as a THON dancer means so much to me,” said Eberly. “It doesn’t happen often, and I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to experience it again.”
Each dancer shared that their motivation for participating in THON comes from a strong desire to give back and support a cause that has a real impact on families.
“I had a close friend who passed away from cancer, so I think of him throughout the weekend,” Eberly said. “Seeing the families and how they’re impacted makes everything we do feel important.”
Ross echoed the personal connection, noting how experiences earlier in life shaped her involvement in THON.
“When I was younger, someone I knew was diagnosed with leukemia,” Ross said. “Now that I’m older, I really understand what families go through, and that’s what motivates me.”
In the weeks leading up to THON Weekend, the dancers will be actively fundraising and engaging the campus and local community. One of the major fundraising events planned this year is the THON Dancer Send-Off Fundraiser, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Hiller Student Union on the Penn State DuBois campus. Doors will open at 5:30p.m., and the event will include dinner, a hair auction, 50/50 raffle, basket raffle, BINGO and other fundraising opportunities.
“We’re hoping this year’s send-off brings in the whole community so we can raise even more for THON,” Ross said.
The dancers are preparing both physically and mentally for the demanding weekend ahead. They said the support from the Penn State DuBois community makes a meaningful difference.
“It’s an honor to be selected, especially since this is my first semester involved in THON,” said Alex Ross. “Everything about it feels exciting and new, and I’m really hoping we can exceed expectations this year.”
Members of the campus and local community are encouraged to support the dancers through upcoming fundraising events or by making a donation. More information about how to get involved will be shared as THON Weekend approaches.
Penn State THON has raised more than $200 million since its founding in 1973, all in support of Four Diamonds’ mission to conquer childhood cancer.