Hope Express kicks off THON weekend at new Children’s Hospital

A group of dedicated runners began their journey to State College on Thursday (Feb. 14) to deliver emotional letters from children at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital to the student dancers at Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON). The Hope Express departed this year from the new Children's Hospital, which recently welcomed its first patients.

  >> See photos from the Hope Express launch.

The Hope Express is a relay run from Hershey to State College in 24 hours to raise awareness of The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and THON. The 22 runners on two teams alternate legs of the 135-mile trek, handing off a backpack full of inspirational letters and cards from Children's Hospital patients. Runners include THON alumni, members of Four Diamonds families, a Child Life specialist at the Children's Hospital, and a cancer survivor. The Hope Express ends on Friday afternoon in State College at THON, the culmination of the year's fundraising efforts to benefit The Four Diamonds Fund. The foundation helps pediatric patients and their families through a variety of services including financial support, Child Life services, and support for groundbreaking research. The runners' journey symbolizes the connection between THON and the children who benefit from the fundraising efforts.

More information on the Hope Express, including the runners' route through central Pennsylvania, can be found at www.thehopeexpress.org/ftk.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.