Penn State education major Emily Mallon is teaching children more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The Garnet Valley High School graduate is one of the leading voices for the college’s annual pediatric cancer research fundraiser.

Mallon, a student-teacher, is currently serving as a Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) communications captain, overseeing a 35-member committee, and it stems from a tragic car accident in which a high school friend was killed, according to a recent Penn State news article by Jim Carlson.

“Through this traumatic experience, I was able to witness firsthand the grief and struggles a family goes through while dealing with the loss of a child/sibling,’’ Mallon said. “I became involved in THON to ensure one day no family has to go through the pain my friend’s family went through. Being involved in THON gives me hope that, one day, cancer will be a part of the past.’’

Mallon voiced her #MyPSUTHONStory to help bolster awareness of the Feb. 17-19 tradition, which has collected more than $137 million since 1977.

Read more about THON and other stories behind the cause on Penn State’s website here.