Last week, we shared the stories of three Penn State students who are dancing in THON this year. This week, we have three more stories of dancers who are 15 days away from standing for 46 hours straight. Introducing…

Danny Bopp

Who has been involved with THON since: 2011

Since then, he has: Been a THON Chair and a Family Relations Chair.

Now he is: Dancing in THON for Kaizen’s Four Diamonds family, the Goldsmiths.

And — in his words — he’s dancing because: Of families like the Goldsmiths. “Seth is a daily inspiration. With many of our members being part of Army ROTC, Seth motivated us all with our summer training and daily events. I know when I was at airborne school he gave me courage and the will to jump out of the plane and never quit. He truly inspires us all.”

Lynnie Schirmer

Who has been involved with THON since: 2012

Since then, she has: Been the THON Weekend chair and the 4DRE chair.

Now she is: The PSMA’s overall THON chair.

And — in her words — she’s dancing because: “I want these kids to be able to live like I do. THON is such an amazing thing and dancing at THON is something I just had to do before I graduated. After graduation, I am working for a non profit organization. What better way to continuing helping people than in college, at Penn State, through THON.”

Joy Urban

Who has been involved with THON since: 2011

Since then, she has: Been a Family Relations Chair (and dancer selection chair) for Student Red Cross 2012-2013.

Now she is: Executive THON Chair for Student Red Cross (and dancing in THON)

And — in her words — she’s dancing because: “When I was 15, I lost my little brother to cancer. He was 14, battling a malignant brain tumor since age 10, until it eventually metastasized throughout his body. While we are not a Four Diamonds Family, we are still a Bereaved Family. Because of this, I felt uniquely equipped and compelled to give back to families like mine. THON is a big part of why I wanted to come to Penn State, and when I first saw the THON video, I knew I had to be a part of something that big.”

Are you dancing in THON this year? Tell us your story.