“Children” and “cancer” shouldn’t mix — but sadly, thousands of kids are diagnosed with this disease yearly. The survival rate could be higher, so every young warrior who conquers this monster is worth celebrating.

That’s why Four Diamonds is a beacon of hope in the childhood cancer community. This nonprofit has served as a spear and armor in the fight against pediatric cancer and helped give survivors a platform to inspire others who dream of ringing the treatment bell.

Honoring Childhood Cancer Survivors

Four Diamonds has had the good fortune of being THON’s sole beneficiary since 1977. THON — shorthand for Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — is the largest student-run philanthropy worldwide. This strategic partnership helps this Hershey, Pennsylvania-based charity spread the success stories of courageous cancer survivors to a larger audience.

For years, countless Four Diamonds children who successfully tackled cancer received the opportunity to be kickoff kids at THON football games hosted by Penn State Athletics.

This honor lets these jubilant, cancer-free youngsters have their moment in the spotlight in front of a roaring crowd at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Being in the limelight also allows them to be rays of light for those still in the trenches.

This disease — and its treatment — tests the body and spirit. Kids living with cancer need all the inspiration they can get to keep persevering. Seeing fellow children — who used to be in the same boat as them — in good health gives them a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. It also helps them be more resilient to overcome adversities.

In celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in 2023, leukemia vanquisher Shiloh Crimmel was that source of inspiration. This child got the bad news at 2 years old. The Penn State Lionettes provided her with emotional support throughout her journey to recovery. She even developed a friendship with the Pennsylvania State University mascot — the Nittany Lion. As a cancer-free 7-year-old, Shiloh got to run with the football and enjoy gameday festivities — an intimidating job she wasn’t nervous about.

In December 2019, RJ Gentile also had the experience of a lifetime. RJ had the honor of being the face of childhood cancer survivorship and grabbing the kickoff tee to the delight of more than 100,000 people, including his proud family.

Four Diamonds beneficiaries Ryan, Leiland, Jacob and Kimberly were some of the other cancer survivors who got to kick off a game, rub elbows with the players, and see themselves on the jumbotron posing with elated fans over the years.

Funding Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research

Like many charities, Four Diamonds began with a sad story. Married couple Charles and Irma Millard founded this nonprofit after losing their 14-year-old son Christopher to cancer. Before losing his three-year battle, Christopher wrote a story about a knight who searched for the diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty and strength to break free from the grips of an evil sorceress.

The Millards started Four Diamonds based on these qualities and used them as a guide to end childhood cancer. For more than 50 years, this charity has extended financial and emotional support to thousands of kids with cancer and their families.

Four Diamonds takes care of 100% of the cancer care-related expenses not covered by insurance for eligible patients treated at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital — the 35th-best hospital for childhood cancer care in the United States. This way, the loved ones of pediatric cancer patients don’t have to worry about medical bills and can focus on looking after their children.

Four Diamonds has partnered with Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Medical Center to develop better treatments and find cures. This nonprofit values innovative research on pediatric cancer to spare young patients and families from unnecessary suffering and save more lives.

Four Diamonds — Fighting to Conquer Childhood Cancer

A diamond symbolizes everlasting love — a fitting name for the charity the Millards founded in honor of their son. Christopher’s legacy lives on in every kickoff kid as Four Diamonds accomplishes its mission to end childhood cancer and ultimately vanquish the evil sorceress someday.

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About Author

Mia Barnes is a lifestyle and wellness writer and the Editor in Chief at BodyMind.com. When Mia isn't writing, she can usually be found reading, jogging or volunteering at one of her local animal shelters.

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