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THON, Four Diamonds celebrate 50 years

To date, more than 5,500 children have benefited from fund

HARRISBURG -- Penn State THON and Four Diamonds marked 50 years of partnership and more than $273 million raised for pediatric cancer care and research with a gathering at the Pennsylvania Capitol during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"I believe that THON is a movement. It's the late-night meetings, pre-THON Weekend events, alternative fundraisers and the shared exhaustion during Final Four THON Weekend," said Lauren Mellas, THON executive director. "It's college students choosing to be a part of something bigger than themselves. THON creates a tangible impact in partnership with our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds."

Four Diamonds is the only fund of its kind in the nation, covering 100% of out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance for all standard and research-related childhood cancer treatments for eligible children at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital.

Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds, highlighted the partnership's enduring mission.

"This fight is personal for all of us. I know children who have been diagnosed with cancer," said Graney. "You probably do, too. And sadly, each year that I've been in this role, I've met more and more children who have been diagnosed. I have been inspired by the way they face their cancer with the hallmark characteristics of Four Diamonds: courage, wisdom, honesty and strength."

Through the partnership with THON, Four Diamonds has been able to provide comprehensive assistance to every Four Diamonds child, with more than 5,500 children being saved from the financial burdens of their care.

For Devin Pulaski and her family, some of the most lasting memories of her cancer journey are the relationships and moments of joy that helped her family through treatment.

"I am grateful that my memories from treatment aren't just focused on cancer. Some of the strongest and most lasting memories are of the people who helped me through it," said Pulaski. "Four Diamonds and THON brought comfort, joy and hope to me and my family when we needed it most. Those relationships still mean the world to me to this day."

Dr. Sarah Iriana, interim chair of Pediatrics at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine, and Dr. Smita Dandekar, director of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Golisano Children's Hospital, spoke to the breadth of expertise that is especially important for children facing cancer and Four Diamonds' support for research.

"Cancer treatment is never delivered by a single physician. It requires an entire team working together around the child and family," Iriana said. "At Penn State Health, that team includes more than 30 specialty care providers who tend to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of young people with cancer and their families."

Funds raised through THON also support local research happening at Penn State College of Medicine. In 1977, the overall five-year survival rate was 63%, but today that survival rate is around 87% thanks, in part, to research made possible by the partnership between THON and Four Diamonds.

"Four Diamonds helps us bridge the gap between the lab and the patient. It seamlessly unites every single piece of our work, from precision diagnostics to direct patient support, allowing us to truly take discoveries from the bench to the bedside," Dandekar said.

THON 2027 -- "Where Our Imagination Shines" -- will take place Feb. 19-21 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College. Learn more about THON at thon.org. Learn more about Four Diamonds at fourdiamonds.org.