Thon Express

Mandy Cylc

As an incoming freshman at Penn State, THON was something I knew I wanted to do. I helped raise funds and hosted canning trips for my organization Alpha Chi Omega and Pi Kappa Phi. As a sophomore, I raised over $6,000 and earned a spot as a dancer in THON 2003. I spent the spring of 2004 studying abroad, so I was not able to hold a THON position. But I came back for my senior year excited to see a new aspect of the world's largest student run philanthropy. I applied to be a Family Relations Captain and was selected for THON 2005 Embracing Dreams and Sharing Tomorrow.  April of 2005 came before I knew it, and graduation was around the corner. My Penn State experience felt incomplete and I knew I needed to apply for an overall position, and if I got it, I would stay for a fifth year. I was chosen to be the Family Relations Overall for THON 2006.  I was starting the final chapter in my Penn State experience, and until the THON Express, I thought it would be my last chance to give part of myself to THON. I want to run in the THON Express for two specific reasons. The first is that working for THON gave me a sense of meaning throughout my Penn State career. The THON Express is an excellent way for alumni to continue to support THON and still respect THON as a student run organization.  Additionally, I want to run in the THON Express because I am committed to the cause. Children with pediatric cancer are the root and motivation for students in THON. And the root is much deeper than perceived.