Our Beneficiaries

Four Diamonds

Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research.

Four Diamond's mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research. Four Diamonds has helped over 4,800 families since 1972. Approximately 90 new families receive support each year. Any family with a child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey is automatically eligible for support.

Charles and Irma Millard established Four Diamonds in 1972 after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Today, a board of civic leaders from counties throughout Central Pennsylvania advises the Four Diamonds.

Penn State Dance Marathon (THON)

THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children & families impacted by childhood cancer. Their mission is to provide emotional & financial support, spread awareness, & ensure funding for critical research—all in pursuit of a cure.

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $236 million to help thousands of children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer. Today, more than 16,500 student volunteers and 700 dancers are hard at work throughout the year to fundraise for Four Diamonds.

The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, 46-hour dance marathon held every February. This collective effort has become one of Penn State’s greatest and most unifying traditions. Whether it is standing for 46 hours as a dancer, taking care of the facility, or supporting the dancers from the bleachers, every person at THON plays a vital part in creating an amazing atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding.