there weren't many dry eyes in the arena. [ cheers and applause ] the mother of landon knapp addressedon survived brain cans were the help of thon and the ford diamonds fund and she recalled the dark moment no family should endure. >> that day when we were told that he had cancer and then later on a few days that we were told it was stage four were probably the worst day of our lives. ♪ these stories of survival allow these folks to push on to the finish and the big reveal. it's been the most amazing experience of my life, let me tell you. from the ups and downs of this whole weekend it almost feels like it's one day. >> how does this rank in terms of your memories of penn state? . >> this is number one and probably number one in my life, it will be thon then my wedding. >> reporter: thon 2018 is in the books another impressive feat from a collection of penn state students who give hope to so many kids. we are penn state. we are penn state. [ chanting ] with that $10 million raised at thon 2018 more kids will be able to get a chance at survival as they say here in state college ftk for