UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — Penn State THON 2023 has kicked off. Thousands of people are packing themselves into the Bryce Jordan Center all weekend long, to support the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, benefitting children with cancer.

THON 2023’s off to a rockin’ start, to say the least. THON is a one-of-a-kind event where you really have to see and feel it, to believe the warmth and care everyone shares.

With the countdown of “three, two, ONE,” THON 2023 kicked off — with roaring cheers from the crowd inside the BJC.

For those who don't know about THON, it sees nearly a thousand of people dance non-stop with no sitting and sleep — all weekend long. 46 hours, to be exact.

“Such a good cause, and it’s tiring at times," PSU senior Jess Shi noted. "But I definitely think it’s worth it. It’s so empowering, and everything kinda just— the energy lifts you up, I would say.”

They dance to raise money for kids and families fighting cancer and related diseases. These Four Diamonds families are at the dance marathon this weekend, rooting people on.

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“We had a family carnival, where similarly we were able to welcome a lot of families who have never been to a THON event before, as well as some families who haven’t been able to attend a THON event for a couple of years, after the pandemic," THON 2023 Executive Director Lily Pevoto mentioned during a Friday afternoon press conference. "So, welcoming them back in to in-person events and programming has been extremely special this year.”

People are honoring Four Diamonds families in their own unique ways.

“I’ve actually never dyed my hair before," a blue-haired Dustin Bauer, participating in THON for the first time, told 6 News on Friday. "But it’s just, like, a tradition for members of Apollo to either get Mohawks or to dye their hair before dancing.”

Since partnering with Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in 1977, THON has raised over $200 million to support Four Diamonds families and cancer research.

Four Diamonds’ executive director, Suzanne Graney, explains how the money that the raise helps research: “We know that research is the only thing that will change the statistics of survival rates for kids with cancer. So, investing in research gives us the hope that is out there that a cure exists. And, it’s like a mystery novel. You have to keep going, chapter by chapter, and discover new things.”

Last year saw THON raise a record $13.7 million.

Notably, State College Borough Mayor Ezra Nanes took to the stage before THON officially kicked off. He declared that this weekend “State College is now ‘the City of THON’.”

“I think it’s really amazing, especially with all the dancing. I’m having so much fun,” said PSU junior Paige McCarrick, spending her first time at THON. “I can’t wait to see what else is to come.”

She didn't have to wait too long. British artist Natasha Bedingfield made a surprise appearance, amping up the crowd with her own hits (like "Pocketful of Sunshine" and "Unwritten"), some covers (including Prince's "Purple Rain" and The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights"), and even performing a capella at one point.

6 News will be in the Bryce Jordan Center all weekend, with updates on the festivities.

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