"The mission of the Four Diamonds Fund is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research."
The Four Diamonds Fund was founded in 1972 by the parents of Christopher Millard, named after a story he had written about a knight who must go on a journey to find the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength.
Since the Fund was started, it has helped over 2,000 families. It covers medical expenses not paid for by insurance, and also helps with other needs the family may have, such as car repairs or household utilities. The Fund also supports the medical team at Hershey Medical Center.
THON, Penn State's dance marathon, is a big supporter of the Four Diamond Fund and raised almost $7.5 million in 2009. Local schools have started mini-thons to help the effort and raised $697,000 over the 2007-2008 school year. There are also several other fund-raisers that support the Fund.
The Susquehanna Yacht Club started holding our own Four Diamonds Day in 2005. We provide a day on the water as a break for the patients and their families. The kids enjoy a picnic lunch, balloons from the clowns, and fun prizes. Then, they get to choose to go for a boat ride, to go sailing, to fish, to swim, or anything they'd like. Parents enjoy seeing their children experience a day they wouldn't usually get to have, and the kids just enjoy playing in the water.
SYC members also have a very rewarding day. While sacrificing a Saturday morning, the joy of making a child happy is gained. All members are encouraged to help out by donating their time, or their boat.
The Four Diamonds FundTHON