Why We Dance: The Story of THON

Watch on the PBS app
Why We Dance: The Story of THON is a documentary project that chronicles the student-run philanthropy, THON, and the children, families, and students who are changed by their experience.
To many people, THON is a weekend-long event with 46 straight hours of dancing. What they may not see is an entire year spent raising awareness and money to conquer childhood cancer. Why We Dance: The Story of THON will introduce you to the inspirational children battling cancer and the Penn State students who participate in THON, dedicating themselves to making a difference for others.
As the THON clock ticks down on hour 46, not a soul is left unchanged. Viewers will be touched by the selflessness of their fellow mankind.
THON Changes Lives
Since 1977, Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) has been raising money — now nearing $80 million dollars— to help The Four Diamonds Fund assist children and their families in the battle against childhood cancer.
To learn more, visit the Penn State THON website.
More from WPSU
Liquid Assets, a ninety-minute documentary, tells the story of essential infrastructure systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater. These systems — some in the ground for more than 100 years — provide a critical public health function and are essential for economic development and growth. Watch »
Hosts Matt and Dustin of Local Historia take viewers on adventures through Pennsylvania history. Watch »
Water Blues Green Solutions tells stories from across the country of communities that are adopting new ways of thinking about how to protect, restore, and preserve our rivers and sources of drinking water. Watch »