One day, we will dance in celebration. Until then, we will dance for a cure.
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Alpha Kappa Psi is proud to be heavily involved with Penn State's annual THON. THON is a student-led initiative that is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. It is the largest student run philanthropy in the world, with year-long efforts leading to a 46-hour dance marathon For The Kids.
Alpha Kappa Psi is passionate to continue efforts supporting THON. Each year, our THON Chairs within the fraternity create and host unique events to bring us together For The Kids. We are very grateful to have two amazing Four Diamonds Families that we spend time with: The Bryants and The Rodriguezes. THON has given us the special opportunity to bond with these families, further inspiring us to continue to work for a cure! |
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Our Families
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We love being able to spend time with our two Four Diamonds families whenever we get the chance. Through trips, local outings, campus visits, and virtual communication, our brothers are able to keep up with both of our families. The pairing of AKPsi with these amazing families has allowed us to help kids to be kids and the memories of all angels to live on. Our families have shown us what true compassion, courage, and love for one another looks like. We have been able to build a special community of hope alongside courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength. We are grateful for the bonds we have been able to form over the years, and look forward to continuing to support The Bryants and The Rodriguezes!
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The Rodriguez family and the Bryant family have made a major impact on my life. Being a family means sharing both the good moments and the bad moments. Throughout the year as one of the Family Relations Chairs, I had the opportunity to create many unforgettable memories with both of our paired families. I will never forget driving to Penn State Children’s Hospital with several other members of AKPsi to support Matthew Rodriguez ringing the bell: a long-awaited celebration of a fight we hope one day no one will have to go through. It was a powerful moment and I was truly honored to share it with them. Another memory that has always stuck with me was seeing the expressions on the faces of the Bryant family when they saw more than fifty college students cook a whole turkey, mashed potatoes, and many other delicious dishes for our Thanksgiving potluck. "
-Kevin Gardner, ZG
Our Efforts
There truly is no other experience as moving and inspiring as the 46-hour dance marathon itself. Each year, Alpha Kappa Psi has the opportunity to select a few of our own brothers to dance FTK. The fraternity is present throughout the weekend visiting our dancers on the floor and showing our support from the stands. Our themed fraternity section and big letters gives our dancers and families a place to look at in the crowd among the thousands of students in the BJC! However, the work we do is year long to raise money and awareness FTK and help the fight against childhood cancer.
Fundraising
Each year, our Fraternity takes action by uniting with 16,500 student volunteers to raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised over $168 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. Our brothers work each semester by hosting various unique fundraising events! Brothers have initiatives to fundraise online as well. If you would like to donate to THON and support our efforts to support these amazing Four Diamonds families, please visit our Donor Drive Page.