With less than a week until THON, everyone is trying to help Four Diamonds Children through any means possible. You’ve donated money, energy, and endless hours of your time, but what about your hair?

“No Hair Don’t Care” is one of THON’s most unique fundraisers to show commitment to the cause, and this year’s event was as popular as ever. Students lined up yesterday at Evolve Studio to get a haircut for a $10 donation and were able to credit their organization of choice. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., volunteers could be seen enjoying a relaxing trim, while some true die-hards even committed to buzzing THON-themed patterns into their hair, such as the four diamonds and “FTK.”

What makes the fundraiser stand out from the rest is its focus on the emotional support provided to Four Diamonds Children. It’s a great way to physically show all Four Diamonds Children that they have someone there for them every step of the way. Since “No Hair Don’t Care” is a THON-wide fundraiser, many organizations have already participated and shown interest, including men’s basketball coach Pat Chambers and James Franklin. This year, community man and offensive line coach Herb Hand joined the cause.

The benefit was started two years ago by P.J. Tatano for the College of EMS, and has grown and expanded to become a THON-wide fundraiser by the Special Events committee. The fundraiser focuses on showing solidarity with children who have lost their hair through chemotherapy treatments.

Tatano was involved early with THON his freshman year. Through the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and his Rules and Regulations committee, he immediately expressed great passion and interest in THON. He was inspired by the book “Just Don’t Fall” by John Sundquist, which depicts Sandquist experiencing chemotherapy as a child and receiving support from his neighbors. The neighbors shaved their heads as a sign of solidarity and respect for the hardships Sundquist was going through. Tatano found inspiration in this, and wanted to develop a similar support system here at Penn State.

In just two years, more than 300 heads have been shaved and almost $3,700 has been raised for THON. Almost every single committee participated in the event, in addition to 50 different other student organizations.

Not only did students and volunteers get another chance to donate to the great cause, but they were able to sport a “new do” to proudly express their love for THON. Check out our photos from the event here.