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THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research ― all in pursuit of a cure.
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Because of THON’s donors, we are making a difference in the lives of children and families. Thank you for helping us take steps towards a cure!
For The Kids! |
All For The Kids, AKPsi brothers go on fundraising trips, host events on and around campus, dance in the 46-hour dance marathon, hold positions as Captains and Directors of committees, engage with our THON families, and of course, attend THON in the BJC every February!
Outstanding Involvement in THON
Our Director
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Mary Papandreas
Entertainment Director | THON 2019 Being on the Entertainment Committee has provided me with the unique opportunity to impact over 50 pre-THON events and THON Weekend, shaping moments for families, volunteers, and stakeholders by fostering a positive, high energy environment that engages people in a meaningful way. When you attend a THON event, there is a certain atmosphere that you have come to know and love. There is upbeat music, fun performances, interactive games, emotional family stories, Line Dances, children laughing, and students remembering what it feels like to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It is electric! The Entertainment Committee works behind the scenes to create that energy. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a kid turn into a rockstar on stage THON Weekend, jam out to a song you played, or jump for joy when they see their favorite Star Wars character walking around on the floor. It is in those moments that the only pain they are worried about is how badly their cheeks hurt from smiling so much. That is why I THON - for the smiles that transcend time and last long after THON Weekend ends. |
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Through THON I have met some of the most inspiring people and families in my college career, and now I owe it to them to pay it forward in the same way that they did for me. I wanted to become a director to dedicate my senior year to empowering the next generation of THON volunteers and creating impactful moments that would put smiles on everyone in the THON community. My main responsibility as the Entertainment Director is leading the Entertainment Committee to embrace their roles and take them to new heights. We work to provide the highest level of production value to motivate thousands of THON volunteers and supporters throughout the year. Entertainment Captains and Committee Members perform a variety of tasks including DJing events, creating the THON Weekend timeline, contracting bands and various entertainment acts, executing large scale crowd engagements, setting up and tearing down the stage, moving lighting and sound equipment, controlling in house cameras and visual displays, planning Pep Rally, and generally bringing the hype to the stage, floor, and crowd THON Weekend. My role is to ensure we are all working together to combine these entertainment aspects and foster new ideas, creating a more effective and exciting entertainment experience For the Kids!
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Our Captains
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Amanda Sgro
OPPerations Captain | THON 2019 As an OPPerations Captain for THON 2019, I have the opportunity to keep the BJC and all pre-THON events clean and safe for all THON volunteers and families. We set up and tear down all of THON weekend and maintain its cleanliness throughout the dance marathon. As the Sustainability Events Captain, I will be designing the waste station layouts and calculating THON’s waste diversion rates in our hopes of being zero waste to create a healthier future for the kids. I’m so lucky to have a committee of 38 wonderful individuals who are passionate about THON’s mission. I’m so excited to be a resource to them throughout the year and during THON weekend as we dance for a cure! |
Our Families
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The Bryant Family
Last fall, we were honored to be matched with another Four Diamonds Family, the Tyler Bryant Family. Unfortunately, Tyler passed away June 30th, 2016. He received love and support from his amazing family, his sister Mckayla, his brother Hunter, and his wonderful mother Ashley. The Bryant family went on a Disney cruise with the Make-A-Wish foundation this past December. Tyler loved hockey, football (Go Seahawks!), and soccer! We are Tyler Tough! |
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The Rodriguez Family
AKPsi is incredibly excited to have been paired with the Rodriguez Family for THON 2018! Janelle and Michael are the parents of our new THON child, Matthew, and his two younger sisters, Alyssa and Alaina. Matthew is seven years old and loves hockey and playing board games. He is a big fan of both the Flyers and the Devils. Alyssa is four years old and loves ballet and dance. Their younger sister, Alaina, is a year old. Some fun facts about the Rodriguez Family is that they love Disney movies, listening to Dean Martin, and riding trains. Everyone in AKPsi is excited at the opportunity to be paired with the Rodriguez Family and we can’t wait to make new memories with them. |
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Check out some more photos below!