A Pennsylvania teenager who was a Four Diamonds child got to participate in THON, the annual Penn State dance marathon, as a student of the University for the first time during this year’s event, held February 16–18.
Braden Fleagle, 19, is an online learner at Penn State, studying health policy and administration through Penn State World Campus. He is in his first year working toward his bachelor’s degree.
Fleagle attended THON, which was held at the Bryce Jordan Center, with his parents, Alison and Darin Fleagle, and his two younger brothers. He participated in a talent show on the center stage, playing drums, singing, and dancing for two pieces with his brothers.
“Having this experience this year was incredibly wonderful, and I’m so thankful for the THON volunteers and dancers who gave up their weekend for this cause,” Fleagle said.
Fleagle was diagnosed with germinoma, a type of germ cell tumor that is most often found in the brain, in 2021, shortly after he turned 16. He failed the vision test required for a learner’s permit to be able to drive, and subsequent doctor visits led to brain surgery a few days later at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. A piece of a mass on his brain was removed so it could be biopsied.
Fleagle and his family were beneficiaries of the Four Diamonds fund through the hospital. Four Diamonds helps families of pediatric cancer patients with expenses not covered by insurance, such as treatment, transportation, or hotel stays.
Each year, Penn State students raise money for Four Diamonds, and their efforts culminate in THON, a 46-hour dance marathon attended by thousands, including the families assisted by Four Diamonds, like the Fleagles, as well as students, supporters, and spectators.
Fleagle has been in remission since August 2021.
Last year, Fleagle experienced THON for the first time with this family.
After he graduated from Northern High School, he decided to go to college online through Penn State World Campus. He joined its student organization, World Campus Benefitting THON, and raised more than $5,000 of the group’s $17,563 on his own. Overall, THON raised almost $17 million this year.
“It felt heart-warming and fulfilling that I was able to be a small part of that total and this incredible cause,” he said.
Fleagle hopes to work for Four Diamonds after graduation.
Penn State World Campus offers a Penn State education online, with a comprehensive selection of more than 175 degree and certificate programs. World Campus students like Fleagle are actively involved in major Penn State events, like THON.
Learn more about the degrees offered online through Penn State World Campus.