THON is a larger-than-life representation of the positive impact that fraternities and sororities have at Penn State. The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON boasts a grand total of $180 million dollars raised by 16,500 student volunteers since its inception in 1973—all focused on fighting childhood cancer.
We’ve all heard the stories from students about why they dance, and from families affected by cancer, talking about the tremendous support they’ve received because of THON. But today, we are going to hear from a fraternity brother who fought childhood cancer and won.
Robby Schweitzer ’20
The diagnosis: “I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when I was 2 years old. It was Christmas morning 2000 when my parents noticed a discoloration in my face, and a lack of energy out of their toddler. After taking me to the doctor, they sent me to Hershey Med. Center for further testing, where I was diagnosed with childhood cancer. Today, I have been cancer free for 17 years.”
The THON connection: Schweitzer started coming to THON in 2002. “When we first walked into Rec Hall (where THON was held before moving to the Bryce Jordan Center in 2007), we were amazed. We were also shocked and confused, because we didn’t understand why all of these students were giving up their time to fight childhood cancer with us. As the years went on, our amazement grew each year. As THON grew, we felt like a part of a great big family, especially with our organization (Alpha Tau Omega and Zeta Tau Alpha).
He says that over the years, he got to know the brothers and sisters at ATO and ZTA. “They would travel to see me and my family on random weekends that they could have been partying or studying,” he says.
He says that deciding on Penn State was based on one very simple idea: Community. “From coming here throughout my childhood and visiting friends while they were in college I realized that everyone that goes to Penn State is a giant family, and I love that feeling of community and all the good that Penn State does.”
Choosing ATO: Schweitzer says that he pledged to ATO because he wanted to give back to the organization that did so much for him over the years. “The brothers that were in ATO when I was a kid are the reason that I am here today,” he says. “My goal while joining ATO was to be able to take a leadership position in the fundraising efforts for THON. I knew I wanted to have a group of friends for life and I knew ATO would be able to give me both of the things I was looking for.”
This proved true—he and fellow cancer survivor Tucker Haas have known each other almost their entire lives, and cemented their friendship and brotherhood even more when they both joined ATO. During his senior year and Haas’ freshman year, they were able to participate in THON together. “We’re the fortunate ones,” he said in an interview.
He says that giving back through THON, first as a general member in ATO/ZTA’s alternative fundraising committee, then as head THON chair and dancer in 2020 was very important to him. “It was my way to show everyone that their efforts are not going unnoticed and are actually having an effect on the world. Seeing me survive what I went through and make it all the way to be in a position to raise money and give back. THON will always be important to me but now that I am an adult my role will be more donating what I can and trying to get my friends and acquaintances to be aware and donate as well,” he says.
The upside of fraternities and sororities: “As much as fraternities get talked about in a bad way, I think we can all agree that they do some amazing things through THON and other philanthropy opportunities,” Schweitzer says. “The upside of fraternities is to shape these kids into better people, and by having these charities and events that they can give back and give their time to really helps them see the struggles of other people.”