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http://www.collegian.psu.edu/news/campus/thon/article_18a71fa0-9d12-11e3-bc6f0017a43b2370.html

Family Hour sheds tears and light on families

appreciation for THON
By Gabriella Santoliquito | Collegian Staff Writer Feb 24, 2014

Kelly Tunney
Eric Pohle and Christy Bryson of the Merchandise committee react to family hour on Sunday.

There was not a dry eye in sight as THON child Eli Sidlers father, Bret, shared the story of
his sons battle with cancer, as Eli isnt able to share his own story anymore.

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Eli had cancer, but cancer never had Eli, Sidler said.
As the final hours of THON 2014 approached, dancers struggling to stay awake and
committee members and spectators fighting to keep themselves busy were reminded
why they spent the past weekend cheering, dancing and raising awareness for pediatric
cancer.

Before his passing, Elis hospital bills exceeded more than $2 million dollars, and as he
fought back tears, Sidler said because of the Four Diamonds Fund and THONs efforts, he
and his family did not have to pay any of it.
Every student in this building or watching online who remembers a child that they met
through THON is giving every Four Diamonds family a gift that is so much more than just
the money, Sidler said. You carry the memory of our child and for some of us thats all
we have left. Knowing that you carry our children in your hearts gives us the strength to
stand here and say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
After THON Family Relations Director Dylan Miller expressed to those at the Bryce Jordan
Center that everyones efforts continue to show what can be redefined, multiple Four
Diamonds Fund families took the stage and shared their experiences with Penn Staters
and those attending this years dance marathon.
Though only a few shared their stories, all Four Diamonds families who were in
attendance were recognized as they walked across stage.
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Jennifer Randolph stood in front of more than 15,000 people and shared the story of her
daughter Ashley, who became a Four Diamonds Fund child as a Penn State student after
being diagnosed with stage two lung cancer.
Eight years ago, we wouldnt have even been able to tell you what kind of cancer my
daughter had, Jennifer Randolph said. If there were more schools like [Penn State], I
cant even imagine where we would be.
After becoming both a THON child and Penn State student, Ashley Randolph said
experiencing THON from both perspectives was inspiring.
For dancers, Family Hour helped put everything they were doing in perspective and gave
them the strength to keep standing for the last few hours.
One of the Student-Athlete Advisory Boards dancers, Erin Kehoe, said all of the families
stories really helped her and the rest of her fellow dancers.
Listening to families and watching the Celebration of Life video kept Kehoe going, she
said.
Encouraging words say a lot of things, but pictures and stories are for real, Kehoe
(senior-communications arts and sciences) said.
The Xander Beltz family brought out the bursts of cheers and excitement that students
have toward the Four Diamonds Fund as they described Xanders story.
After a moment of silence, Xander's mother Dava Beltz asked, Do you feel that? That's
how we felt five years, three months and 22 days ago. Our son was given the death
sentence.
Shortly after, Beltz shouted with Xander standing next to her that THON is not just an
event, but that it is simply epic.
Beltz said her family carries out each THON theme all year and made sure the dancers
and spectators knew what they dance for is making a difference.
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The Gavin Howe family said THON is more than just an event as well.
To the Howes, the entire experience is about friendship and fun, Gavins mother, Cindy
Howe , said.
She said Gavin is currently in remission and throughout his entire journey and
everything he endured, he never complained.
Howe said as she watched her son sit in his hospital bed, she told him she hoped the
family would never have to look back on any of the negativity cancer brought into their
lives.
Yes mommy, but can we look back at THON? he asked me, she said.
Yes baby, we can always look back at THON, she replied. We love you now and well
love you forever, she said to the entire BJC.

Gabriella Santoliquito can be reached at gqs5171@psu.edu or (814) 865-1828. Follow her on Twitter
at @gmsanto3.

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You carry the memory of our child and for some of us

thats all we have left. Knowing that you carry our
children in your hearts gives us the strength to stand
here and say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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