Name: Anabella Begley

Major: Communication sciences and disorders

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 — Donor and Alumni Relations first-year committee member

THON 2024 — Dancer Relations committee member

THON 2025 — Dancer Relations Captain: Dancer Storage   

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2026?

I wanted to become a director for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world because I wanted to have a greater impact on this organization and help inspire the next generation of THON volunteers to give more back to our mission and to our families. I have been so inspired by every volunteer and family that I have met throughout my THON journey, and I hope to show other volunteers the magic of working together toward our mission to one day dance in celebration of a cure.    

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Dancer Relations Director, I serve as the primary liaison for students selected to dance in THON Weekend and help coordinate all the logistical aspects of the dancer experience to ensure their well-being and safety. I also lead a committee of 24 captains, and I assist them with a variety of tasks and events. This includes dancer pre-registration and registration, the Commonwealth Dancer Retreat, Yellow Shirt University, the Dancer Mentor Panel, and so much more!

What do you want to implement in your position this year that differs from years past?

My main goals for this year are to increase our efforts to incorporate families into the dancer events so we are ensuring they are kept at the forefront of everything we do, challenging traditions and changing events/activities to push THON and Dancer Relations forward, and continuing to ensure that we work to create an environment where dancers feel safe and welcomed throughout THON Weekend.  

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Dancer Relations has the amazing opportunity to help our dancers live out a dream that many of them have had since their freshman year. We support the dancers physically and emotionally as they embark on the 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon.  Our dancers’ strength to dance as a testament to our families shows their dedication and passion toward one day dancing in celebration of a cure. They are an inspiration to me and so many of our volunteers! Dancer Relations committee members are trained in keeping dancers stretched and feeling supported throughout the entirety of the weekend. 

One unique aspect of our committee is that we create a line dance, which is essentially a recap from the past year, that incorporates topics like Penn State, world events, pop culture, and THON. Its purpose is to stretch participants once every hour and provide motivation to the dancers and spectators! It is a small part of the many events we get to create to help our dancers throughout THON Weekend. 

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2026?

I hope my committee is able to spread THON’s mission and continue to inspire the next generation of THON volunteers. I want to increase awareness surrounding our Four Diamonds Families and childhood cancer and ensure that we provide as many opportunities for dancers to feel supported and have the most meaningful THON Weekend possible. I am so excited to create lasting memories for our families and dancers and help provide unwavering encouragement, love, and support.

Why do you THON?

I THON so our families can build their own bold tomorrows, for more birthdays, for those we remember in our hearts, and so that no family ever has to hear the words, “your child has cancer.” I THON so that we can one day dance in celebration of a cure.  

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is from last year, while I served as a Dancer Relations Captain. My co-captains and I linked arms during Family Hour of THON Weekend, listening to our courageous families speak. Their stories are so inspiring to hear, and I will always admire their strength and courage. I will forever feel so moved and inspired by their stories and cancer journeys.  

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

If I could be a dinosaur, I would be an Apatosaurus because they are very supportive towards their families, and I think that is very fitting for Dancer Relations.