THON event at Wyoming Area raises money for pediatric cancer research

EXETER — What started as an idea to replicate Penn State University’s annual THON has quickly become a reality for Wyoming Area Secondary Center students and “WA March Madness: Dancing For a Cure” was held March 18 at the Secondary Center with proceeds going towards Four Diamonds for pediatric cancer research.

According to its website, Four Diamonds was started in 1972 by Charles and Irma Milliard in honor of their son, Christopher, who died at the age of 14 from cancer.

Since its creation, Four Diamonds has helped more than 3,700 children and families and supported a diverse platform of childhood cancer research.

Activities at the Wyoming Area event included dancing, carnival-style games, basket raffles, a balloon release and more.

To get ready for the event, students raised money through various fundraising events such as dress down days, themed school dances, t-shirt sales, in addition to other events in the coming weeks.

Businesses owners donated money in exchange for having their business logo printed on THON t-shirts or banners.

Violet Stachyra, 14, tries to get out of the bouncy room during the THON event at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Exeter on March 18.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617THON1.jpg.optimal.jpgViolet Stachyra, 14, tries to get out of the bouncy room during the THON event at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Exeter on March 18. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

Erika Holweg, 13, plays the frisbee game known as KanJam where the player must toss the frisbee in the can during the THON event at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617THON2.jpg.optimal.jpgErika Holweg, 13, plays the frisbee game known as KanJam where the player must toss the frisbee in the can during the THON event at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

Michael Fanti, 2, of Exeter, plays with a ball during the THON event.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617THON3.jpg.optimal.jpgMichael Fanti, 2, of Exeter, plays with a ball during the THON event. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

David Fath, 9, of West Wyoming, tries his luck tossing the ball through the hole during a game at the THON event.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617THON4.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Fath, 9, of West Wyoming, tries his luck tossing the ball through the hole during a game at the THON event. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

The THON event brought in a crowd at Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Exeter on March 18.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617THON5.jpg.optimal.jpgThe THON event brought in a crowd at Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Exeter on March 18. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch