The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance

Marathon Childhood Cancer

Benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering

Dear (Insert Family or Friends name here), More children die each year in the United States from pediatric cancer than any other type of disease. There are almost 40,000 children currently undergoing treatment, yet funding for pediatric cancer research still lags far behind funding for adult cancer research. The Penn State Dance Marathon, more commonly referred to as THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THONs mission is to conquer childhood cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and staff at the Penn State Hershey Childrens Hospital. It is a yearlong fundraising effort that culminates in February with a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. Last year THON raised a record-breaking $10.68 million for The Four Diamonds Fund. This fund supports a team of pediatric oncology specialists, finances medical research, and offsets 100% of the costs of treatment for families that insurance does not cover.

As a Penn State student, I, along with thousands of others over the past 40 years, have dedicated myself to helping children fight cancer. My organization, Atlas, is comprised of passionate and dedicated students who work all year long to support the mission of THON. Last year Atlas raised $369,585.37 and since its founding in 2006, Atlas has raised over $1.5 million. Every donation makes a difference. Here are some examples of what your donation can provide: $25 provides one hour of music therapy for children undergoing treatment $100 pays for one hour of cancer research $300 buys a wig for a child who has lost his or her hair THON has also contributed to the construction of a new, free-standing Childrens Hospital at Hershey Medical Center. I would greatly appreciate it if you would join me in the fight against childhood cancer by making a gift to THON today. You can make checks payable to the Penn State Dance Marathon. Please be sure to add my organizations name

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The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance

Marathon Childhood Cancer

Benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering

number, Atlas 312, to the memo section of your check. For your convenience, I have included a blue return envelope. You can also give online at www.AtlasFTK.org/donate/ Please return your gift as soon as possible, and I cannot thank you enough for your support. Together, we will make a difference in the life of a child! (Personal Blurb)

For The Kids, (Sign Name Here)