Their voices are likely shot, their ankles probably sore and they definitely could use some sleep.

But the 700-plus dancers — and thousands more who participated in this year’s Penn State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — know they made history, raising almost $17 million in the fight against childhood cancer, the largest amount in its 52 years.

The crowd inside Bryce Jordan Center at University Park erupted a little after 4 p.m Sunday as this year’s total was announced: $16,955,683.63. It surpassed by nearly $2 million last year’s sum, which was itself a record.

— Bryce Jordan Center (@JordanCenter) February 18, 2024

The Dance Marathon, commonly known as THON, dates to 1973 and is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. It has raised $219 million over its 52 years and helped 4,800 families, according to organizers.

It benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

As it does every year, the 52nd annual THON kicked off at 6 p.m. Friday in the arena bowl of the center at University Park and continued for 46 hours. The weekend is the culmination of a yearlong philanthropic effort across the entire Penn State system, its students, employees, alumni and others.

“We want to thank everyone who donated, volunteered, and stood alongside us, enriching this day for our Four Diamonds families, while educating and spreading awareness about childhood cancer,” said Will Vincent, director of THON, in a statement distributed after the grand total was announced.”

THON and Four Diamonds have helped families experiencing childhood cancer by covering all medical expenses, including comprehensive specialty care services at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, according to officials. THON and Four Diamonds support enabled Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine to hire Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler, an internationally known physician-scientist, to lead the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, organizers said.

Because of her work, the FDA granted approval on eflornithine, a drug aimed to reduce the risk of relapse for pediatric high risk neuroblastoma patients.

The event, streamed live, was as emotional as it was high energy. Dancers mingled with child cancer survivors and their families, and there were testimonials to the courage of those fighting the disease and the compassion of others stepping up to help.

Walking on stage Sunday afternoon, Chad Gordon of Greencastle, Pa. told the crowd that his daughter Adley is putting up the fight of her young life, having been diagnosed with the disease in 2022, two weeks shy of her 2nd birthday.

Gordon said Thon in some ways has become everything to their family.

“Hearing that your child has cancer, everything changes. Everything changes. Your occupation. Your daily routine. Your relationships with your friends, family and even your marriage,” he said. “What used to be important is not important anymore. What’s important is your family and your beautiful daughter.”

He said Adley was going through a rough patch and could not attend.

“She’ll be better for next year,’’ her father said. “I promise.”

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