State A Thon returns to SDSU

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story contained information that was from an unrelated story about the theatre program’s production of “Bright Star.”

SDSU students will take to the State A Thon, a 10-hour dance marathon fundraiser, on Saturday, April 12 in the Volstorff Ballroom.
State A Thon is the largest student-run organization on campus. It unites hundreds of students each year in one mission: to support children receiving care at the Castle of Care, the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The money raised goes to helping families with expenses not covered by insurance, such as travel costs, lodging, meal vouchers, and therapy tools as well as support programs for patients and families.
“This event is truly student-led and student-driven,” said Keeley Klein, State A Thon president. “We’re able to make a real difference in the lives of families going through incredibly difficult times.”
Membership has reached 444 students who joined the initiative. The State A Thon event will host over 20 kids and their families who have been impacted by Children’s Miracle Network and treated at the Sanford Children’s Castle of Care.
Kids spend the day with State A Thon participants playing games, sharing their stories and of course, dancing.
“They just bring so much joy and enthusiasm,” said Grace Weaver, one of the organization’s morale leaders.
This year’s State A Thon includes several new features. More Miracle Families are attending and sharing their stories.
It also includes the return of popular games and morale dances. There will also be a Miracle Kid Talent Show to highlight the children’s creativity, a sensory room to provide a quiet space for kids with sensitivities and a memorial room to honor children who have passed.
“These additions help us create an inclusive and reflective atmosphere while keeping the energy high,” said McKenna Henrich, an executive board member. “There’s joy, connection, and remembrance all wrapped into one day.”
Students are encouraged to sign up, even if they’ve never participated before. “You don’t have to know anyone,” Klein said. “You can sign up as an individual and be placed on a morale team. From there, you’re part of something bigger.”
For the student leaders organizing the event, State A Thon is more than just a one-day event, it’s deeply personal.
Klein said she first got involved after someone encouraged her to try it out, and it quickly turned into a lasting commitment. Her passion deepened when she met a child at the hospital who had the same rare cancer her father had survived. That moment gave her an even greater sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how the event affects real families.
Henrich was inspired to get involved after seeing her own cousins receive care at Sanford Children’s for a blood-clotting disorder.
“Knowing that my family has directly benefited from the hospital we’re supporting makes every hour of planning worth it,” she said.
Emma Lusk, who serves as internal vice president, said her passion comes from watching how State A Thon helps families find hope and community. She recalls a moment when a young Miracle Child didn’t want to leave the event, saying it was the most fun he’d had in a long time.
“That showed me the real impact we can have,” Lusk said. “Sometimes, just being there and showing up for these families is what matters most.”
The overall total amount of money raised so far remains unknown to the public and to all but one of the 444 members.
“The total, no one will know until it’s flipped,” Klein said. “That will happen at our main event on April 12, and then we will flip at 5:30 p.m.”
“I truly think that [State A Thon] is way bigger than the money you know, like raising awareness, supporting these families, supporting these kids, that’s what it’s truly about,” Lusk said.
Students, faculty and community members can sign up or donate until and during the event on. To get involved or learn more, follow @sdsustateathon on Instagram or contact Klein at (605) 830-0481.
“We’ll keep dancing until no child has to be treated at Sanford Children’s,” Klein said. “That’s what this is all about.”
JAMI BERGESON contributed to this story