Vraj Patel
Vraj Patel, a Chester County native and Penn State student, is serving in a key leadership role in Penn State THON™, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
Vraj currently serves as the Public Relations Media Management Director for THON 2026.
In this role, he leads the Media Management Committee, whose mission is to serve as the voice of THON, spreading awareness of its impact at the local, state, and national level, and uplifting the powerful stories within the THON Community. He is especially passionate about expanding THON’s reach to new and diverse audiences and introducing fresh ideas and initiatives to strengthen public relations efforts and engage stakeholders across Penn State and beyond.
Since its founding in 1973, THON has raised more than $254 million through the efforts of over 16,500 annual student volunteers and community supporters. Last year, THON broke its own fundraising record, raising $17.7 million For The Kids®. All proceeds benefit THON’s sole-beneficiary Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, which covers 100% of all medical expenses for families battling childhood cancer.
THON’s student-run Executive Committee plays a direct role in raising millions of dollarseach year and guiding yearlong engagement and awareness efforts. Most recently, THON launched its fifth annual Ignite the Fight campaign to kick off the THON 2026 fundraising window, which runs from July 1 through THON Weekend 2026, set to take place February 20–22, 2026. To learn more about the fight against childhood cancer and how to getinvolved, you can reach out to Vraj at me**************@**on.org.
