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No family expects childhood cancer to become part of their story. But each year, thousands of families across the country hear a diagnosis that changes everything. About 15,000, to be more exact. That’s how many children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood cancer may be considered rare compared with c

A Search for AnswersBefore childhood neuroblastoma changed his life, Asher was always on the move. The 11-year-old loved riding his bike, playing outside and spending time with his friends.Then, little by little, things changed.He wasn’t eating well, and he often felt sick to his stomach. At a routine checkup, his doctor noticed his height and weight had stopped increasing. Bloodwork and specialis

Every September, communities come together during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to recognize children and families impacted by this disease. Gold is the awareness color for childhood cancer, which is why many schools host “Gold Out Games.”By wearing gold and coming together on game day, students, families, athletes and community members can show their support, raise awareness and help shine a l

Lenny has always been a girl who loves to move. The 9-year-old enjoys playing sports, spending time outside and expressing herself through art and music. When she began complaining about leg pain during a family summer vacation, her parents thought it was part of being an active kid. They also wondered if it could be growing pains. They never imagined it would lead to a childhood cancer diagnosis.

For Four Diamonds survivor Brad, his connection to cancer began long before he dedicated his career to researching new cancer treatments.Today, he leads a team developing therapies that could improve outcomes for patients around the world. But more than 30 years ago, he was the patient sitting in the hospital receiving treatment.A Life-Changing DiagnosisWhen Brad was in eighth grade, he began expe

Mini-THON® students from more than 200 schools raised $6,478,166.86 for Four Diamonds during the 2025-26 school year, bringing the program’s lifetime fundraising total to more than $83 million since 1993.The milestone was celebrated Aug. 7 as hundreds of student leaders and advisors gathered in Hershey for the 2026 Four Diamonds Mini-THON Leadership Summit. The annual event brings the Mini-THON co

Un diagnóstico que cambió sus vidasEn mayo de 2025, Andy empezó a sentir dolor en la pierna izquierda y a dormir más de lo habitual. Cuando sus síntomas se volvieron preocupantes, Andy y su mamá, Angélica, acudieron a la sala de emergencias de su localidad en busca de respuestas.Esa visita cambió sus vidas para siempre.A Andy le diagnosticaron leucemia infantil. En ese momento, ella no entendía de

A Life-Changing DiagnosisIn May 2025, Andy began experiencing pain in her left leg and sleeping more than usual. When her symptoms became concerning, Andy and her mom, Angelica, went to their local emergency room searching for answers.That visit changed their lives forever.Andy was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. At the time, she did not fully understand what the diagnosis meant, but for Angeli

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.