Childhood cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect children and adolescents under 19 years old. Unlike adult cancers, pediatric cancers often develop in different areas of the body and behave differently. The most common types include:
But for every common case, there are also new and rare diagnoses like pineoblastoma, which demand just as much attention and care.
Childhood cancer isn’t one disease—it’s more than a hundred. And while progress has been made in treatment, there’s still much work to do. Every day, families hear the words no one should ever hear: “Your child has cancer.” At Four Diamonds, we believe no family should face that journey alone.
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Pediatric cancers aren’t simply smaller versions of adult cancers. They stem from different causes and often lack early detection methods. Most childhood cancers are not linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, and they require specialized treatment protocols.
Despite tremendous strides in treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. That’s why we fight—for every child, every family, every future.
Four Diamonds covers 100% of all medical expenses related to cancer care not covered by insurance for eligible Four Diamonds children. But we don’t stop there.
We also fund:
Blakely was just 23 months old when she was diagnosed with ALL. With Four Diamonds by her side, she began the long journey through treatment. Today, she’s undergoing maintenance therapy and looking ahead to ringing the bell in 2026. Her sparkle, spirit and resilience remind us of the progress that research has made possible—and how much more we still have to do.
“She’s our little light,” her parents say. “Four Diamonds helped us focus on her—not the bills or the fear.”
Diagnosed with AML at just 11 years old, Sami’s cancer journey included chemotherapy, radiation and two bone marrow transplants. Through every setback, she remained hopeful—and Four Diamonds was there to cover treatment costs, provide emotional support and bring moments of joy through art therapy, hospital activities and care teams who became like family.
Sami rang the bell in 2019 and now dreams of becoming an art therapist to help others heal—just like her.
Neuroblastoma Drug Combo Trial
Penn State College of Medicine is leading a national clinical trial evaluating a novel drug combination—tipifarnib alongside the immunotherapy naxitamab—for aggressive neuroblastoma. Four Diamonds and the Lois High Berstler Endowment Foundation supported the lab-based discoveries behind this lifesaving work.
Silmitasertib Trial for Solid Tumors
In partnership with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, Four Diamonds, and Senhwa Biosciences, Penn State researchers have launched a pioneering trial testing silmitasertib plus chemotherapy for tumors like neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and more.
Supporting Survivors’ Wellness
Researchers at Penn State are developing behavioral interventions—like a 12-week exercise program based on the COM-B framework—that promote long-term wellness in childhood cancer survivors. Early results show improved physical activity, function, and quality of life.
Each September, we raise our voices during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a national movement launched by Presidential Proclamation in 2012. But our work doesn’t end when the month does. For Four Diamonds, the mission to conquer childhood cancer is year-round.
Learn more about how you can support awareness efforts in September and beyond on our Childhood Cancer Awareness Month page.
Your support fuels innovative research to conquer childhood cancer. Every donation brings us closer to better treatments—and a future without pediatric cancer.
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