Bill is all about giving back to the community. He is known for his dedication to Penn State’s THON; a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of families and children impacted by pediatric cancer.
Name: Bill Staniszewski
Why did you decide to join THON?
“I joined THON in 2012 when one of my friends invited me to go canning. I had a lot of fun, and looked into the mission of THON a little bit more, and really felt driven to do whatever I could to help the families, and the kids.”
What was your experience like in big THON at main campus?
“I danced in 2013, and it was just such an amazing experience. Being down on the floor for 46 hours with these families that are fighting cancer is indescribable. Seeing 15,000 Penn State students come together to support these families, and raise awareness and money for the fight against pediatric cancer is truly awe inspiring.”
What is your relationship like with Behrend’s THON children?
“Behrend has two sponsor families, the Katie Sowers and the Rylee Dorer families. They both live on the other side of the state so meeting up with them can be difficult sometimes. Katie comes to Pittsburgh a couple times a year for treatment and checkups, and we (Behrend THON) will take her family out to dinner while they are in town. I’ve only been able to meet Rylee a couple of times at THON events. Katie just had an MRI over break and it came back clear! She’s one step closer to beating cancer, and will have another checkup in six months. Rylee is officially cured and cancer free!”
What is it like being co-executive director?
“It’s been a tough year because this is Behrend Benefiting THON’s first year as a club, instead of residing under SGA, so there have been challenges with the transitioning. Also two of our three canning weekends had to be cancelled while the safety practices associated with the fundraiser are still being reviewed. I wouldn’t trade places with anyone for the world though. Gracie Wiles, my co-executive director, and I, have an outstanding team in our executive board this year, and we are able to meet these obstacles head on while working to keep the spirit of THON alive, and be there for the families. Our general members have also stepped up in a big way to, in my opinion, make THON one of the best organizations on campus to be involved with!”
Is there anything else you would like to share about THON or ways others could get involved?
“To learn more about THON, or to get involved, just join Behrend Benefiting THON on BehrendSync, Our meetings are every other Monday at 8 PM in Reed 117, anyone can join at any time! This year big THON will be Feb. 19,20 and 21 at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. Behrend Benefiting THON will be providing bus transportation and hotel rooms for anyone interested in coming. For more information, please join our BehrendSync portal or come to one of our meetings!”