From Four Diamonds Child to THON Volunteer: Viv’s Full-Circle Journey

Finding Family Through Cancer

Viv 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 fundraise for Penn State THON^™ in support of Four Diamonds. Viv first met members of the organization when she was 14 years old. At the time, she was undergoing cancer treatment.

Today, she is proud to give back to the community that supported her through one of the most difficult times in her life.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

When Viv noticed a lump under her arm, she mentioned it during a routine physical. Her doctor was concerned and ordered a series of tests, including bloodwork, ultrasounds and surgery. After weeks of appointments and uncertainty, a PET scan confirmed the diagnosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The cancer had already spread, making it stage 2.

“Each new piece of information felt like a gut punch as we began to understand what treatment would look like for her,” said Meg, Viv’s mom.

Although the diagnosis was devastating, Viv’s prognosis was positive. She underwent several months of outpatient chemotherapy at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Navigating Treatment

During treatment, Viv and her family spent long days at the outpatient clinic receiving chemotherapy.

Meg remembers the emotional challenge of watching her daughter undergo treatment. “It was difficult to watch everyone come in protected from the medication they were about to give my daughter,” she said, recalling nurses entering the room in protective gear to administer chemotherapy.

While treatment days were often long and exhausting, Four Diamonds helped make them more manageable. Art therapists and child life specialists provided activities and distractions that helped Viv focus on something other than cancer.

One bright spot she remembers was using Four Diamonds meal vouchers to enjoy her favorite Starbucks order.

For Meg, one of the hardest parts was knowing she could not protect her daughter from everything they were facing.

“My husband and I focused on doing everything we could to make her comfortable and ease some of the trauma of the experience,” she said. They wanted to create as much normalcy as they could.

Life Beyond Treatment

At the beginning of the summer after her freshman year of high school, Viv celebrated the end of treatment by ringing the bell.

The experience changed her outlook on life. Today, she tries to stay positive and focus on finding joy in small moments.

Her advice to other teenagers facing cancer is simple: “Look for the small bright spots. Sometimes it's something as simple as your favorite Starbucks order.”

The Lasting Impact of THON

Throughout high school, Viv’s paired THON organization remained a constant source of support. They were there not only for her, but for her entire family.

Years later, they still check in regularly and send Mother’s Day flowers to Meg each year.

Their encouragement even played a role in Viv’s college decision.

“When it came time to choose a school, Phi Chi Theta only had one place in mind for me,” Viv said with a laugh. “Penn State.”

Giving Back Through THON

Now, as a member of Phi Chi Theta herself, Viv has the opportunity to support children and families facing the same challenges she once experienced.

Having seen firsthand the impact of Four Diamonds, she is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved.

“I want to raise awareness because so many people are impacted by childhood cancer, and I want children and families to know they can conquer it,” said Viv.

Viv and her family remain deeply grateful for the support they received through Four Diamonds and THON. As both a survivor and a volunteer, she is helping ensure that future children and families receive the same care, comfort and community that made such a meaningful difference in her own journey.