Most students enjoy their first THON as a freshman, or maybe as the younger sibling of a dancer a few years prior. For one Penn Stater, though, it began before she could walk.

Anna Ungar (pictured left), a sophomore on the PR Photography committee, has been to every single THON since she was born in May of 1993.

“I have seen THON go from the White Building to Rec Hall to the BJC, and through so many other changes,” said Ungar of her unique THON experience compared to most.

“While most people have four years to experience these changes, I’ve had two decades,” she said.

Ungar’s father, David, was a pediatric oncologist/hematologist at Hershey Medical Center for 18 years. Anna experienced her first THON as a nine-month-old.

In addition to experiencing the changes each and every year, Anna has been able to meet a multitude of Four Diamonds families, most of whom have affected her life in various ways.

“The best thing to come out of my experiences with THON is the close relationships I’ve been able to develop with many Four Diamonds families,” said Ungar. “I’ve watched so many kids grow up and it’s really amazing to see first-hand how the Four Diamonds Fund and THON help these families.”

While Anna has spent every single THON watching the final four hours from the floor, shooting dancers with water guns and hanging out with her family, this year she’ll be on shift with ApPauls and Banannahs, snapping pictures of family hour and the final reveal.

“Many things have changed over the years,” says Ungar, “but one thing that hasn’t changed is the inspiration these families provide for us each and every THON weekend.”

“They always thank us, but we should be thanking them for letting us be a part of their journey.”