The Penn State THON community ignited hope within $10,045,478.44 of medical treatment, research and support for families battling childhood cancer.

The packed stands of The Bryce Jordan Center roared to its feet as the total revealed an increase from THON 2016's total of $9.7 million.

With only two canning weekends this year, organizations looked toward alternative fundraisers to make up the difference.

At the pre-THON press conference on Friday afternoon, Overall Director Austin Sommerer said the canning restrictions forced the philanthropy and its contributing organizations to find other avenues through which to fundraise.

“One of the things I’ve preached since day one is to think outside the box,” Sommerer said. “Come up with new ideas. Let’s see what we can do. Let’s figure out what our dreams are and see what we can accomplish them.”

Over $136 million has been raised in the 40 years that THON has partnered with the Four Diamonds. This year marks the 40th anniversary of THON's partnership with its sole beneficiary.