Feb 17, 2017 08:48 AM EST By Amanda Foster, UniversityHerald Reporter

Penn State athletes are ready to dance at the annual THON. The dance marathon is going to benefit pediatric cancer research. The Penn State IFC or Panhellenic Dance Marathon, known as THON, is going to happen this weekend.

This year's THON is going to celebrate its 40^th anniversary of its partnership with Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital.

Four Penn State athletes are going to join more than 700 other students for some dancing. The 46 hour event is considered to be the world's largest student-run philanthropic event. For 46 consecutive hours at the Bryce Jordan Center, students are going to rock their legs and move their bodies without sitting or sleeping. At 4:00 p.m., Friday, over 16,500 student volunteers are going to participate in the event.

Every year, these students devote their time and energy to help raise money for THON.

Penn State is eager to participate as well. With Charlie Shuman (football player), Carly Celkos (field hockey player), Megan Schafer (women's soccer player), and Jessica O'Neil-Lyublinsky (fencer) ready to get their groove on, they hope to make it to the 46^th hour, as reported by The Morning Call.

Last year, the THON raised more than $9.7 million. In total, since 1977, THON has raised over $136 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. Penn State Berks has reportedly raised over $55,000 which beats their previous $51,000 fund, as reported by Penn State.

With the aim to raise awareness, support and push a movement and belief that one day pediatric cancer patients can be cured, Penn State students will gather for this cause. These students will not let cancer win, which is why they are not going to rest for 46 hours.

From Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, Penn State students would need to stay awake to reach their goal at the THON. But aside from the THON, there are also other awareness activities involved in the fund raising. There are 5k runs or walks, BINGO events and even a Polar Plunge which happened in January.

Preview the Penn State THON promo video below:

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