From left to right: Joey Pretti, Morgan Gallagher and Charles Carlini were officially selected as Brandywine's THON dancers on Oct. 21.
MEDIA, Pa. — Three Penn State Brandywine students have been selected to participate in the annual 46-hour THON dance marathon taking place Feb. 20 through Feb. 22 at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center in University Park. Charles Carlini, Morgan Gallagher and Joey Pretti were officially selected as dancers on Oct. 21.
THON is a childhood cancer, nonprofit student-led organization dedicated to helping children and families fight the battle by raising funds and awareness, providing comprehensive support and funding innovative research. It is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON Weekend will see these dedicated students from Penn State Brandywine join thousands of others in a non-stop dance marathon aimed at raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. Each dancer has a personal connection to the cause, bringing their own unique motivations and stories to this incredible journey.
Charles Carlini
Carlini, a first-year communication arts and sciences major, said he wanted to dance for THON to help make families smile.
“My motivation to dance is helping people smile who really need it, especially if they haven’t felt joy in their lives while going through treatment,” he said.
Looking ahead to THON Weekend, Carlini said he is most looking forward to meeting the Four Diamonds families and helping people in any way he can.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the families, helping people and really seeing them smile,” he said.
Morgan Gallagher
Gallagher, a third-year business major with a focus in marketing, said she wanted to dance for the kids because of a personal connection she has with cancer patients.
“I’ve had some of my family members go through treatment, so I want to show them that I can do something challenging, too,” she said.
Gallagher noted how she is most looking forward to meeting the Four Diamonds families and hearing their stories.
Joey Pretti
Pretti, a second-year kinesiology major, is dancing for a second year. After his time at THON Weekend last February fell short due to an injury, he said he is ready to go back to the Bryce Jordan Center stronger than before.
“I want to come back stronger this year, make a better impact and meet the fellow dancers and families,” he said.
Pretti said he is looking forward to the whole experience of THON Weekend.
“I’m most looking forward to the concert, hearing the family stories and getting to meet everyone,” he said.
How to Help
This year’s THON dancers are all sharing one thing in common outside of dancing for a cure: They all need help from the community.
Brandywine Benefitting THON has a goal to raise $30,000 to help children battling pediatric cancer. Visit this link to find out more about donating to Penn State Brandywine’s THON Donor Drive.
Penn State’s THON raises millions annually for Four Diamonds to support pediatric cancer research and aid affected families. More than 16,500 student volunteers dedicate an average of 15 hours weekly to yearlong efforts, culminating in a 46-hour dance marathon each spring. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $236 million.
