Hope Express runners make journey to THON at Penn State

A group of dedicated runners made the trek from Hershey to State College to deliver emotional letters from children at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital to the student dancers at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON).

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 37 runners on three teams alternated legs of the 135-mile trek, handing off a backpack full of inspirational letters and cards from Children's Hospital patients. Runners included THON alumni, members of Four Diamonds families, cancer survivors and a Child Life specialist at the Children's Hospital.

This year’s Hope Express raised $155,135, up from last year’s total of $93,135.

The Hope Express ended 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 can be found at www.thehopeexpress.org/ftk.

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