Dancers Stand for THON 2023
Jordyn Lesler is a senior majoring in digital print journalism.
She will be dancing in THON for the first time on Friday for the 46 hhour dance marathon.
It’s a big jump for Lesler, after not knowing much about THON during her freshman year.
“Well, I didn't go to a thon my freshman year, so I didn't really know what it was like,” Lesler said. “I had no idea what it was, I didn't know the height of it. And then I got involved with my organization. And I really, really enjoyed it.”
Lesler’s uncle passed away from pediatric cancer when he was 16, so being able to stand for the duration of THON was a big thing for her family.
Now receiving the opportunity to dance with 706 other Penn State students representing Lion Scouts, Lesler stated standing for THON and playing a part in helping to find a cure for childhood cancer means the world.
“Oh, it means everything, I'll sit here and say I'm terrified and I'm nervous and all this stuff, but you're dancing for a bigger purpose,” Lesler said. “So you're standing for 46 hours and not sleeping, but in the grand scheme of things, it's nothing compared to what they go through.”
Standing for 46 hours is no easy feat however and as Lesler looks ahead to the weekend, there was one stretch that she mentioned being afraid for, as she found it tough last year when she went in the stands.
“Saturday night into Sunday morning, that's where I struggled with last year a lot,” Lesler said. “Being in the stands and being a dancer is totally different because you don't have the same support system. But I remember I got to the BJC at like 5am on Sunday and I was struggling because you're so close but you're not there yet.”
Once that stretch is all over and the final total is revealed, Lesler has her first post-THON destination all planned out.
“McDonald's. I'm gonna get McDonald's because Chick fil A is closed,” Lesler said. “But before that, I'll probably cry a little bit. Hug some of my friends who are also dancing because two of my really close guy friends are IDC’ing so I'll probably give them a hug because it's gonna be a lot on them and hug my mom.”
THON 2023 kicks off on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. and ends on Feb.19 at 4 p.m.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
