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A Journey No Child Should FaceIn April 2025, Four Diamonds child Elias was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer. After eight months of treatment and surgery to remove his tumor, Elias and his family hoped they had reached the end of their cancer journey.Just a few months later, during a routine scan, doctors discovered another tumor. His cancer had metastasized, and Elias

Finding Family Through CancerViv is an active second-year student at Penn State University studying political science and a member of Phi Chi Theta, a professional business fraternity. For Viv, Phi Chi Theta is much more than an organization — it’s family.That connection began years before she ever stepped foot on Penn State’s campus.Phi Chi Theta is one of the many student organizations that fund

A decade after overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma, Four Diamonds survivor Tyler is stepping into a milestone he once wasn’t sure would be possible. He is now a father.When Tyler was diagnosed at 17, life was centered on school, sports and time with friends. A cancer diagnosis quickly shifted everything, and he began preparing for months of intensive chemotherapy.Still, even in the uncertainty of a cancer

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to recognize the strength and perseverance of those who have faced cancer and to celebrate the importance of childhood cancer survivorship. It is also an opportunity to reflect on life beyond treatment and the continued support survivors need as they move forward.At Four Diamonds, that commitment extends well beyond a diagnosis. Through the Penn State

Bella is a six-year-old girl who loves rainbows, horses and spending time outside. She has a big imagination and often pretends her bicycle is a unicorn. Bella’s life is full of play, laughter and creativity, even after everything she has been through.A Family Coming TogetherBella was adopted by Nicolena and Andrew when she was four years old. She had previously been in their foster care and brief

6 Steps to Hosting a Community Event for Pediatric Cancer ResearchIf you’ve been wondering how to raise money for children facing childhood cancer, hosting a community fundraiser is a meaningful way to make an impact. These steps to hosting a community event for pediatric cancer research will guide you from idea to execution—helping you plan an event that supports life-saving research and compassi

A childhood cancer diagnosis changes everything. Beyond medical care, families often need emotional support, guidance and practical resources to navigate what comes next. Through Four Diamonds and Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, families have access to a wide range of support services designed to care for the whole person—not just the diagnosis. From counseling and community connec

For nine-year-old Asher, a cancer diagnosis came after months of back and forth with doctors. After experiencing stomach pain on and off, which his mom Gloria thought was from sports, Asher was taken to the ER when he developed a fever. As an Emergency Room nurse, Gloria went in thinking the worst case scenario would be a diagnosis of appendicitis.Asher had labs done and a CT scan. During the scan

Each year, National Volunteer Week recognizes individuals and families who give their time, care and compassion to support others. It is a moment to celebrate how generosity can create meaningful change. Within the Four Diamonds community, many families turn their own experiences into action by giving back to support others who are facing childhood cancer.Keaghan Gives Back is a powerful example o

During Volunteer Week, we recognize the individuals and communities who give their time, energy and passion to support Four Diamonds. Community fundraisers play a vital role in this impact, turning personal passions into meaningful action that supports children and families facing childhood cancer.Kick Cancer to the Dirt is one powerful example of how a shared love for something as simple as tenni

For families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, support from the community can make all the difference. While more than 200 Mini-THON schools raise critical funds for Four Diamonds to fuel research and treatment, many also create spaces where Four Diamonds’ children and families feel seen, supported and connected to their community.  For Four Diamonds child Daniel, those connections have become

The Mini-THON Diamond Awards celebrate and recognize students, advisors and schools for outstanding program accomplishments that support the key values and actions that make Mini-THON successful and represent Four Diamonds' values and mission. Best of all.... winners earn money that will be credited to their school's 2026-2027 Mini-THON event!Nominations can be submitted by completing this form. 

The first week of April is Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week. AYA refers to individuals between the ages of 15 and 39, and April offers an important opportunity to highlight the unique challenges teens and young adults face not only during treatment, but throughout survivorship.Support through every stage of that journey is critical. Four Diamonds provides comprehensive care t

Finding Joy at Camp: How Four Diamonds Kids Connect Beyond CancerFor children facing cancer, opportunities to simply be a kid can be life changing. Pediatric oncology camps give patients, survivors and siblings the chance to step away from the hospital and connect with others who understand their experiences.Four Diamonds helps make these moments possible by supporting cancer camps and helping chi

Four Diamonds and Penn State THON have once again been recognized among the nation’s leading peer-to-peer fundraising programs, earning the #23 spot in the annual Top 30 rankings from the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum.Peer-to-peer fundraising empowers supporters to raise funds on behalf of a nonprofit by engaging their personal networks including friends, family, coworkers and communities to hel

Suzanne Graney, Executive Director of Four Diamonds, recently appeared on Help and Hope Happen Here, a pediatric cancer podcast dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer and highlighting the experiences of families, medical professionals and advocates.During the episode, Suzanne shared the mission of Four Diamonds, including its commitment to covering all medical expenses not paid by i

THON Weekend is filled with energy, joy and purpose. For 46 hours, dancers stand in the Bryce Jordan Center without sitting or sleeping — all For The Kids®. While THON Weekend brings thousands together, not every Four Diamonds child or teen is able to attend due to ongoing cancer treatment.To help bridge that gap and spread joy from near and far, THON and Four Diamonds Art Therapy partnered to cre

Four Diamonds child Harlan is a bright and curious two-year-old who loves books, snacks and giving hugs to his mom and dad. On good days, you can find him dancing to music or taking walks outside. In many ways, his life looks like that of any other toddler, but behind those joyful moments is a journey no child or parent expects to face.When Harlan was just five months old, everything changed. In D

“The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.” – Winnie the PoohFrom the moment Shelly first heard her diagnosis at just 8 years old, her world shifted in ways she never expected. What began as a simple ache in her foot soon became a journey filled with challenges, resilience and transformation. Today, years later, Shelly looks back on that journey with gratitude – not becaus

At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, the sweetest sound of the season is the bright, hopeful ring of a bell. For Four Diamonds children, that sound means the end of cancer treatment – a moment families dream of from the very beginning of their journey. As we look back on this year, we’re honored to highlight several brave patients who recently rang the bell and celebrated the start of a new c