Name: Praharsh Upadhyaya

Major: Finance

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2023 – First Year Committee Member
THON 2024 – Administrative Assistant (Finance Captain)
THON 2025 – Assistant Treasurer (Finance Captain)

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

THON has been a meaningful part of my life for more than 10 years. I was first introduced to it through my middle school’s mini-THON, where I designed the T-shirts that everyone wore during our main event. I continued my involvement with mini-THON throughout high school and chose to attend Penn State, with THON at the forefront of my main reasons for wanting to attend. Becoming a part of the THON community showed me just how much this organization means, not only to me, but to the thousands of families we support.

The dedication and passion of every student volunteer continually inspire me to want to do more. This motivation is what led me to pursue a director role, so I can give my all while also creating opportunities for others to give back to our families and to everyone involved with THON. I want to help share our mission with as many people as possible and amplify the powerful, inspiring stories of our families. I know I will continue to support this organization and its mission until the day we dance together in celebration of a cure.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

As the Fundraising Safety Director, I am responsible for ensuring that THON’s fundraising practices and policies are upheld safely, ethically, and effectively. In working with my captains, I collaborate closely with the Fundraising Outreach team as they connect with organizations and guide them on efficient and compliant fundraising practices. Additionally, the Fundraising Development team reviews fundraising ideas and various requests to ensure they align with both THON’s mission and the THON Rulebook.

Alongside the Online Giving team, we oversee the maintenance, utilization, and continued growth of THON’s sole online giving platform, DonorDrive. This includes developing fundraising strategies and enforcing clear and consistent communication methods across the THON community.

Additional responsibilities of the Rules and Regulations Fundraising Safety Director include collaborating with other directors and committees throughout THON to ensure our organization is represented effectively and responsibly. During major events, including THON Weekend, the Fundraising Safety Committee works closely with the Event Safety Committee to ensure the safety of our families, volunteers, and all members of the THON community.

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

In my position this year, I want to implement a stronger focus on using THON Nation as both a community-building and fundraising platform. This initiative has been a passion project of mine, and I want to develop it into a space where supporters around the world feel connected year-round and are given tangible opportunities to actively fundraise, share their journey, and support THON’s mission. By empowering THON Nation members to make an impact no matter where they are, I hope to strengthen our global community while expanding THON’s fundraising reach.

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

The Rules and Regulations Fundraising Safety Committee has the unique opportunity to work across multiple areas of the THON community. On the fundraising side, we support organizations and IDCs by helping them fundraise safely, effectively, and to the best of their abilities. On the event side, we collaborate with the Event Safety Committee to provide security and support during major events, ensuring a safe environment for our families and fellow volunteers. We find it incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to support our organizations and families in such a variety of meaningful ways.

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

The theme of the Rules and Regulations Fundraising Safety Committee this year is “Generate Endless Ripples.” This reflects THON’s mission and our commitment to continuously developing new ideas and advancing the organization, step by step, every day, so we can keep supporting our families. Our families are our greatest motivators, inspiring us to give 110% and ensure that the responsibilities and goals we set are fully realized. For the Fundraising Safety Committee, each member is dedicated to leaving THON better than we found it.

Why do you THON?

I THON because cancer is a battle that no child or family should face alone. While the financial support we provide helps lift a significant burden from families, the emotional support we offer is just as, if not more, important. Each family we support, each dollar we raise, and every hour we dedicate ripples far beyond what we can see, giving courage to families, inspiration to volunteers, and momentum to the mission of finding a cure.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is watching the THON 2025 recap video for the first time just moments before the total reveal. Standing on the stage with my co-captain, we looked out at the BJC and truly felt the power of that moment. Seeing thousands of people united by passion, love, and a shared commitment to the fight against childhood cancer was overwhelming in the best way. It was a reminder of why we dedicate so much time and energy to THON, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

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

A stegosaurus because spikes are cool.