Countdown to Thon: Penn State students shave their heads in support of kids fighting cancer

With four days until the start of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Dustin Beaver got ready Monday afternoon by having the Four Diamonds Fund logo shaved into the back of his head.

Beaver, a cancer survivor and member of Thon’s dancer relations committee, was among dozens of students who gathered at the HUB-Robeson Center for Thon’s annual “No Hair, Don’t Care” event. For the price of $10 — half of which will go toward an organization or independent dancer couple of their choice — students could either have their head completely shaved or opt for a shaved-in Four Diamonds emblem.

Matt Brownlow, the media relations captain on the public relations committee, said the event serves as a way to stand in solidarity with Thon kids going through treatment, especially those who have lost their hair.

“It’s a promotional way to give back to these families and children we support all year,” Brownlow said.

“No Hair, Don’t Care” is the second hair donation event of this year’s Thon cycle — the first one was at the “100 days ‘Til Thon” event that took place in November. Students’ last chance to donate their hair will be at the weekend-long dance marathon itself. Starting Friday, hundreds of students will dance for 46 hours straight to raise money for children’s cancer research as well as to support the families with patients in Penn State Children’s Hospital through the Four Diamonds Fund.

Olivia Notto is a hair donation co-captain, and said “No Hair, Don’t Care” usually draws around 100 to 150 people.

“It’s the week before Thon, so this just kind of gets everyone really excited, especially (organization) members who are super close with their families,” Notto said. “And it’s a good last push for donations.”

Notto said a majority of the participants were men, but that it isn’t unheard of for a woman to shave her head either. By 1 p.m., around 30 people had come in, but the event ran until 4 p.m., giving students ample time to get a blue headband and take their picture in front of a decorated backdrop.

Beaver, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, said he “immediately got involved” in Thon upon transferring to Penn State’s main campus from the Altoona branch campus. This is the first time he has shaved his head since shaving it during treatment.

“Thon has literally helped save my life and it has helped my family through a lot,” Beaver said. “I figured the more that I can give back to say thank you, the better.”

This story was originally published February 17, 2020 at 5:19 PM.