Four Diamonds family thanks THON for all it's done for it

UNIVERSITY PARK – THON 2018 is officially over. After 46 hours of being on their feet, 700 dancers were inside the Bryce Jordan Center to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer.

THON is the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, known as the world's largest student-run philanthropy. The money that is raised each year benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families, at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The long journey has ended, and the Bonn family was extremely excited and thankful to be here for the 46th annual event.

"Thank you for all you do," Owen Bonn said.

Owen Bonn, the Four Diamonds family's son, showed his thanks to THON dancers for all their hard work and support.

"With Owen, this actually (is) something we look forward to all year,” Owen's mother Marsha Bonn said. “So the past month, at day care, he's been talking about THON. So, this is a big motivator for us."

"Breaking barriers for a better tomorrow" was the theme for Owen and his team for this year's marathon.

During one part of the marathon, loud chants of "Owen Bonn, Owen Bonn" could be heard.

This year, the team wore green to represent the Hulk, one of Owen's favorite superheros.

"As the father of a Four Diamonds child, THON is amazing," Owen's father Josh Bonn said.

The green team not only raising money and awareness, but showing love and support to Owen throughout his battle.

"Some of our organizations actually came to the hospital with Owen and went through blood counts and treatment just to see what he's gone through, so it's been awesome," Marsha Bonn said.

The 4-year-old was diagnosed with eye cancer in 2015, and THON stepped in to help two months later.

"The sacrifice the students make to raise money for research and to assist in Owen's treatment has been remarkable," Josh Bonn said.

His family, to say the least, is thankful for THON and everything members of the organization do.

"It's amazing, and I just hope that it continues to get bigger," Josh Bonn said.

THON officials revealed at the end of the dance ceremony that they had raised $10.1 million this year.

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