Hope Express connects Children's Hospital and THON

On Thursday night, a group of dedicated runners bundled up to brave the cold and begin their journey to State College. Their mission: to deliver emotional letters from children at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital to the student dancers at THON.

>> View a photo gallery from this year's Hope Express launch event

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 39 runners on three teams ran through the night and are alternating legs of the 135-mile trek, handing off a backpack full of inspirational letters and cards from Children's Hospital patients. The Hope Express will end this afternoon in State College at THON, the culmination of the year's fundraising efforts to benefit The Four Diamonds Fund.

Last year's Hope Express raised $155,135.

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