During the season of giving, there are a lot of things that your money goes to.  We came up with 12 reasons as to why THON deserves some consideration for giving this season:

1. Improve the already top-notch research that is occurring at Hershey Medical Center.  One experiment in the lab costs $750.

2. Provide hope to a child.  $600 sends a young adult patient to Camp Make-A-Dream and $300 helps to buy a wig for a child who has lost their hair due to treatment.

3. Advance the research that is occurring to find a cure for all kinds of pediatric cancer.  It costs $800 a day to run a lab searching for a cure.

4. Build a lasting legacy for THON and the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey.  In 2004, THON pledged $10 million to build the Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at Hershey Medical Center.  Construction is now underway, but there is always room for new growth.

5. Create an environment where children can heal because they are able to feel comfortable, have fun, and continue learning. $25 provides a child with an hour of music therapy, which makes a world of difference.

6. Help with the costs of treatment for a child.  It costs $400 for a life saving infusion session.  

7. Relieve the stress and worries of families going through treatment.  $40 provides meal cards and gas for commuting families for a week.  

8. Guarantee the outstanding care that Hershey Medical Center has become known for.  $1,500 provides a day of a team of specialized nurse coordinators that manage all patient needs.   

9.  Support parents and siblings who must watch their family member go through treatment.  All it takes is $75 for one hour of a staff psychologist meeting with families and patients and sibilings as well as $50 for childhood cancer education books given per family for parent and sibling education.

10. Invest for the future.  Each year more than 13,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and 2,300 lose their battle.  Help by giving an investment for their futures.

11. Find a cure for pediatric cancer.

12. Save the life of a child.

Tell us why you donate to THON either via twitter, facebook, or by emailing stories@thon.org.  Thank you for all who have donated and who continue to donate to THON.  Without you, none of the things that we have accomplished would be possible.  Happy Holidays and 65 days ‘til THON to all!