For the kids, each year more than half the students at Notre Dame HS donate 24 hours of their time to dance a night away for a cause close to the hearts of many: childhood cancer.

The Four Diamonds Fund works with Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital to fight pediatric cancer. Penn State University holds an annual dance marathon (THON) to raise money to support this fight. Since Penn State founded its THON in 1977, over 150 schools started their own Mini-THONs modeled after the Penn State 46-hour dance-a-thon, which requires no sitting or sleeping.

Notre Dame is the only high school in Pennsylvania that participates in a 24-hour Mini-THON. Last year Crusaders raised over $80,000. The donations help to combat childhood cancer by supporting the needs of families with children suffering from cancer .

Students, families, and the school community come together to in efforts to find a cure. On Feb. 13, Notre Dame students grades nine through 12 will stand up to fight childhood cancer. The dancers will spend 24 hours in the school gym packed with volunteers and supporters.

“THON is a great cause because it raises awareness for the kids who are not able to do activities we enjoy on a daily basis,” said senior Maribeth Beatty. “In addition, it brings our school together for a united cause and gives us something to be proud of.”

Students, divided into six different colored teams prior to the event, each with a team coach and student leaders, compete against each other in games such as scooter races and cake decorating.

Notre Dame’s Mini-THON proves a success year after year. Event organizer and Director of Admissions Cheryl Fenton works tirelessly to make sure the 24 hours goes smoothly.

“THON draws so many of us together who have experienced cancer in our lives,” Fenton said. “This is the one event that pulls the entire Notre Dame community together.”

With the help of the community, Notre Dame hopes to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer again this year. They will dance for the kids.