The Force For Health Hero : Penn State THON
The World’s Largest Student-Run Philanthropy
Dr. Rob’s Video Transcript
Hi, Dr. Robert Gilio, Chief Medical Officer of the Force for Health Network.
One of the things I am here to say is that I have done a lot as a doctor to help people, even people with cancer. But I am taking the stethoscope off because the people who have done much more than me have been the students at Penn State University.
I am proud to say that I live nearby. Briefly, I was an adjunct professor, and my daughters participated in THON.
Penn State THON has just raised eighteen million dollars as the world’s largest student-run philanthropy.
What started in 1973 as a little tiny dance marathon has grown not only into a fundraiser, but into a movement, a culture. Penn State, you are my Force for Health. You are my Force for Health champions.
We are giving that award to you this month, February 2026. Thank you.
My challenge to the rest of you, and I will read the blog I wrote, but the real thing I want you thinking about is: What can you do?
Start small. Those small steps turn into thousands of people dancing for forty-six hours, raising eighteen million dollars in a twelve-month, all-year effort to make that happen.
Be a Force for Health. Learn what you can from them. Start small. Make a movement. Save lives.
You do not need a stethoscope to do it!
The Pennsylvania University and its student’s THON reminds us what collective purpose looks like in action. Penn State’s THON is one of those movements.
They are my Force for Heath Heroes for February 2026!
THON is not simply a fundraiser. It is a living example of what happens when students decide to be a Force for Health.
How THON Began
THON began in 1973 as a modest student-led dance marathon to support children with cancer. What started as a small campus effort has grown into the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. The event supports Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, which provides comprehensive care, research funding, and family support for children battling pediatric cancer.
From the beginning, the mission was clear:
No child should have to fight cancer alone.
What makes THON unique is its student leadership. Thousands of students organize, fundraise, plan logistics, recruit volunteers, and build year-round engagement. This is not a one-weekend event—it is a 12-month commitment culminating in a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon each February.
Students stand—literally and figuratively—for children who cannot.
A Movement That Has Grown Into Millions
Over the past five decades, THON has raised more than $200 million for pediatric cancer research and family support.
In recent years, the impact has continued to grow:
- 2024: A record-breaking $16.9 million raised.
- 2025: More than $17 million raised, continuing the upward trajectory of generosity and engagement.
- 2026: Just raised over $18 million
These are not just numbers. These dollars represent:
- Research advancements
- Family housing support
- Financial assistance for medical care
- Emotional and community support systems
- Hope
THON demonstrates that student energy, when organized around purpose, becomes transformational.
Why THON Is an FFH Hero
At Force for Health, we talk about Learn It. Live It. Share It.
Penn State students have done exactly that:
- They learned about pediatric cancer and unmet needs.
- They lived the mission through year-round service and sacrifice.
- They shared the cause with alumni, corporations, families, and communities.
THON has become a culture, not just an event. It has shaped leaders who carry service into healthcare, business, policy, education, and entrepreneurship.
This is population health in action.
A Personal Congratulations
To the THON leadership team, the dancers, the volunteers, the alumni network, the corporate partners, and every donor:
Congratulations.
You have demonstrated what student leadership can accomplish when guided by compassion and persistence. You have proven that young adults are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today.
You have improved the lives of children and families who needed you most.
A Challenge to Other Student Groups and Companies
You do not need to start with millions.
You need to start with purpose.
THON began small. It grew because:
- Students committed to consistency.
- Leaders trained successors.
- The mission remained clear.
- The community was invited in.
To every university, student organization, company, and civic group reading this:
- Identify a need in your community.
- Start with a small, consistent effort.
- Build leadership pipelines.
- Measure impact.
- Celebrate progress.
- Grow annually.
Health needs exist everywhere—mental health, chronic disease, food insecurity, disaster preparedness, pediatric illness, and more.
You do not have to replicate THON’s size to replicate its spirit.
The Bigger Lesson
When people come together around health, they create momentum.
When students lead with purpose, they inspire institutions.
When we stand for children, families, and research, we elevate society.
At the end of each day, I often ask:
“How is someone else’s life better today because you were alive in theirs?”
Penn State THON answers that question—together.
Let’s build more movements like this.
Let’s be a Force for Health.
—
Dr. Rob Gillio
Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder
The Force for Health Network
www.theforceforhealth.com
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