Impact

Hope Express to kick off THON weekend at Children’s Hospital

Today (Feb. 19) a group of dedicated runners will begin their journey 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 over 24 hours to raise awareness of Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and THON. The 39 runners on three teams will alternate legs of the 135-mile trek, handing off a backpack full of inspirational letters and cards from Children’s Hospital patients. The teams will depart at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m., and they’ll be cheered on by 40 moralers throughout their journey.

The Hope Express ends on Friday afternoon in State College at THON, the culmination of the year’s fundraising efforts to benefit Four Diamonds. 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.

Last year’s Hope Express raised $155,135 toward THON 2014’s total.

The Hope Express was established several years ago by Four Diamonds Parents Connie and Hank Angus.

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

Last Updated February 19, 2015

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