20-02-2025
‘No Hair Don't Care' event raises money for THON
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A temporary barbershop was set up at Penn State University as students lined up for the annual 'No Hair, Don't Care,' event.
'No Hair Don`t Care' is a tradition of Penn State THON where volunteers can have their heads shaved to raise awareness for childhood cancer and support those who have experienced hair loss during their cancer journey. Each volunteer contributes $10. $5 can be credited to any organization, Independent Dancer Couple (IDC), or committee.
'It's a little sacrifice to show that we stand in unison with them, come THON weekend, and show that they're not alone,' Senior Nicholas Massari said.
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With a line out the door, students got ready and celebrated the buzz cut. Seeing the support for the event was special for those who organized it.
'It's just amazing to see all of these organizations come together and they're cheering and supporting each other. And obviously we're raising money, which is also amazing,' Hair Donation Captain, for Special Events THON Hannah Oister said.
One participant was Colin Davis, he participated as his little brother fought against Aplastic anemia.
'When you see somebody go through that is stuck in the hospital spending their high school senior summer in a hospital bed, it makes you go to great lengths to try to do anything you can for them,' Davis said.
THON raises millions of dollars to fund pediatric cancer research and brings thousands of visitors to the University Park campus each year. In 2025, more than 700 dancers are expected to stand on their feet for 46 hours to raise money for Four Diamonds.
'That's why you do it, that's why you stand for 46. That's why you keep pestering people to donate because it's all going towards research, towards finding a cure, and towards helping families and kids who are in need to help pay these hospital bills that are through the roof,' Davis said.
THON is one of the largest events run by Penn State besides football games and it's something students look forward to year in and year out.
'The energy in the Bryce Jordan Center is unmatched. It's truly something so special that these kids gather around every year and support these kids,' Massari said.
THON raised a record-breaking $16.9 million in 2024. Since its start in 1973, THON has raised more than $236 million to support Four Diamonds.
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