THON is only 8 days away, so here are three more stories of Penn State students who are dancing in THON this year. (And if you’re not getting excited yet, you might want to check this out.) Introducing…

Henry Coll

Who has been involved with THON since: August 2010, though his first THON experience was the year before when visited his brother who danced in THON 2009.

Since then, he has: Been Morale committee member and a Merchandise Captain.

Now he is: A Special Events Captain and dancing to represent the College of Earth & Mineral Sciences.

And — in his words — he’s dancing because: of his three THON families as well as every THON child and family affected by cancer. “This year I’m dancing in memory of Troy Brewer, dancing in celebration with the Woods, and lifting the burden of cancer from Jackson Hollinger for the weekend. I want to lose hours of sleep. I want the kids to forget about their troubles for the weekend, smile, laugh, dance, sing their hearts out on stage, and live their lives like the beautiful and innocent children they are. I want to look back at my last and final THON — crying, dancing, laughing, and smiling with the greatest organization — knowing that everything I’ve done here over these four years helped make this indescribable, unforgettable, and miraculous weekend happen.”

Scott Tomensky

Who has been involved with THON since: 2011, his freshman year.

Since then, he has: Been a Rules and Regulations committee member and the THON Chair for Alpha Kappa Lambda.

Now he is: The THON Family Relations Chair for his fraternity and dancing independently.

And — in his words — he’s dancing because: “of all of the kids who are battling this horrible disease every day with such bravery and courage and all of their families that sacrifice so much while helping their children win the fight. They are my heroes because of how strong they are.”

Christy Gindhart

Who has been involved with THON since: 2012

Since then, she has: Been on a Morale committee, been the THON Chair for Athletic Training Club and Donor and Alumni Relations committee, and the FR chair for Athletic Training Club.

Now she is: a Supply Logistics captain and dancing for the Athletic Training Club.

And — in her words — she’s dancing because: She wants to stand for those who can’t. “I want to dance so no family has to lose a child or even hear the words ‘your child has cancer’ ever again.”