THON raises more than $15 million to fight childhood cancer

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Hundreds of Penn State students have raised more than $15 million for pediatric cancer patients in the annual 46-hour dance marathon known as THON.

The $15,006,132.46 total was announced Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, billed as the world's largest student-run philanthropy. That topped last year's total of $13,756,374.50.

Money raised benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Child cancer survivors and their families also participate along with the dancers, who are helped by thousands of other students in support roles.

Officials say the dance marathon, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has raised $204 million and the fund has helped over 4,800 families.

6abc was pleased to partner with the students behind THON and the team at Four Diamonds to present this year's Dance for a Cure - Live from THON, originally airing live on Saturday night.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.