THON Thursday: Your Chance to be a Hero

I’m writing this post on Sunday night, about 30 minutes before the AFC Championship game. Like many of us in Central Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S., I am a diehard Steelers fan, and all I can think about right now is Steelers football.

Many kids (and some adults) would say my favorite players are heroes because they play football: Troy, Hines, Heeeeeeaaaath (Steelers fans know what that means), James, – the list goes on and on of Steelers players who are idolized.

What is a Hero?

Merriam Webster defines a hero as:

(a) a person who is is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities

(b) a person who is greatly admired

As much as I am in awe of their talents, I contend that the men I mentioned above are not heroes because they play football. To me, they are heroes because of what they do off the field. They are all active with various charitable organizations and/or their own foundations. They know they can use their celebrity and talent for the good of others.

Some of the heroes who took part in THON 2010 (Photo by Annemarie Mountz)
Some of the heroes who took part in THON 2010 (Photo by Annemarie Mountz)

You Can be a Hero

Since I became the chair for the Penn State World Campus THON Campaign, I have been using a customized signature for personal and student e-mail:

You can be a hero by helping conquer childhood cancers.
Make a tax-deductible donation to THON.
For “Designation Selection” select “General Organizations.”
For “Gift Designation” select “World Campus.”
For the Kids!

By definition, my signature correctly identifies a hero. We extend our thanks to those who have been heroes for children with cancer by giving what you can to the World Campus THON Campaign. There is still time to be a hero. Consider donating to the World Campus THON Campaign by February 15, 2011.

For more information, “Like” our Penn State World Campus THON Group Facebook page.