The Big LeBoneski — an annual fundraising campaign put on by the family each October — is looking to raise money to fight cancer all month long.

“We’re asking those in the community to donate to the Skeletons for St. Jude Fundraiser. In the last three years, your generosity helped raise $4,970 for kids fighting cancer,” according to the Mattie family.

Originally, the family hoped to raise $1,700. Just weeks into the fundraiser, they’ve smashed that goal and have even crossed the $5,000 mark. All funding donated to the Skeletons for St. Jude campaign helps families in need and tries to find a cure for cancer.

“The sooner better treatments, and a cure, are found, the better. Through this fundraiser, we will bring joy to our community and help kids with cancer, a win-win for everyone,” the Mattie family said.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS A portion of the “Bones and Groans Physical Therapy” themed decor outside the Mattie Family’s home in Bellefonte is pictured above.

The nationwide campaign is on track to exceed a million dollars raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Skeletons for St. Jude (SSJ) is a nationwide fundraising effort of home haunters that use their Halloween displays to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support children and their families impacted by childhood cancer. Their goal is to raise as much money as possible to help sick children get well and out of the hospital so they, too, can enjoy these fun Halloween and holiday displays.

The fundraiser originated in Holly Springs, N.C., in 2020, with the Robertson family placing a St. Jude fundraising sign in their yard after a local TV station aired their skeleton Halloween display.

After generating $8,200 in a few short weeks, and meeting several families impacted by childhood cancer, the Robertsons were moved to turn the fundraiser into an annual event.

From 2021 to 2025, SSJ expanded across the nation. By 2024, there were over 1,000 homes, throughout the U.S., supporting the fundraiser with their Halloween displays.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS

To date, thousands of generous donors have donated over $913,000 to help St. Jude children and families battling cancer. This year, in its sixth year, we are on track to break $1,000,000 raised.

There are many ways you can donate including online through this link, http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/TheBigLeboneski23., scanning the QR code at the display or cash donations in the box onsite. Any cash donations will be submitted under “Friends of The Big LeBoneski.”

“Thank you for helping us make a difference, one spooky step at a time,” the Mattie family said.

This year’s display is “Bones & Groans Physical Therapy — Enchanting mobility, one tortured soul at a time.

Inspired by Nancy Mattie’s real-life knee replacement journey, The Big LeBoneski — the family’s infamous 12-foot skeleton — has gotten his own shiny new knee joints… and a custom-built giant walker, complete with wheels, flair and oversized tennis balls.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS

Helping him recover are his skeletal friends and our witchy PT team: Evette, Cybil, Hansel and Gretal, guiding the dearly departed back to the land of the mobile.

“Whether you’re here for a spooky giggle or a stretch with the skeleton crew, we hope our display brings joy to your Halloween season! Our display will be set up for nightly viewing at Pine Circle, Bellefonte, Pa.,” the family said.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Some of The Big LeBoneski’s skeletal friends take part in PT of various kinds.