Five decades of collective action has raised more than $273 million, funded comprehensive medical care and critical research for more than 5,500 children

HERSHEY, PA — This year marks 50 years of partnership for Four Diamonds and Penn State THON™ in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Since joining forces in 1977, Four Diamonds, the only fund of its kind in the nation dedicated to assisting children with cancer and their families with financial support, comprehensive care and innovative research and THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy benefitting Four Diamonds, have built a world-class philanthropic community united in a mission for cures.

For half a century, Four Diamonds and THON collaboratively have raised more than $273 million, representing more than two-thirds of all funds raised for Four Diamonds. This critical funding provides financial coverage for 100% of out-of-pocket medical costs for childhood cancer treatments, as well as comprehensive specialty care and family support services, for all eligible children treated at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. To date, this assistance has saved more than 5,500 children and their families from the devastating financial burdens of care.

While industry research shows that only 27% of organizational partnerships last more than five years, the 50-year relationship between Four Diamonds and THON continues to grow in size, reach and impact. This longevity reflects the extraordinary power of shared mission and collective action.

“It is not everyday that two organizations have the opportunity to celebrate five decades of partnership in pursuit of a shared mission,” said Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds. "Partnering with the student-leaders of Penn State THON is key to delivering our mission promise to provide superior care and comprehensive support to every Four Diamonds child and also to fuel ground-breaking research and clinical trials to help patients worldwide. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to the day when we can celebrate a world free from childhood cancer."

Four Diamonds is the largest philanthropic funder of groundbreaking childhood cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine, a partner in national clinical trial networks and leading advancements in chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These discoveries have contributed to transforming the landscape of childhood oncology. Four Diamonds-funded discoveries help fuel survival. While the overall five-year survival rate for all childhood cancers has improved from approximately 63% in 1977 to closer to 87% today, many types of childhood cancer continue to have low survival rates.

THON, powered by more than 16,500 Penn State student volunteers annually, activates its community through yearlong fundraising and awareness campaigns. Each year, volunteers contribute more than 5 million hours to raise funds and provide emotional support to Four Diamonds patients and families. THON’s efforts culminate in an annual 46-hour no sleeping or sitting dance marathon. This year’s THON Weekend will take place Feb. 19-21, 2027 at the Bryce Jordan Center.

"Every year, the THON and Four Diamonds communities unite with a single purpose: to ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone. This 50-year partnership is a testament to the power of our student-run philanthropy and the generations of Penn State student and alumni volunteers who have dedicated their efforts to this fight," said Lauren Mellas, the THON 2027 Executive Director. "It is a privilege to serve this incredible community as we continue to work, dance and fight—in pursuit of a cure For The Kids®."

The 50th-anniversary celebration will continue throughout the academic year, highlighted by priority community events scheduled this fall including:

  • Penn State Football THON Game on the West Shore Home Field in Beaver Stadium at University Park, PA on September 19, 2026
  • News Conference in the East Wing Rotunda of the PA State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA on September 28, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
  • The annual THON 5K on the Penn State University campus at University Park, PA on October 25, 2026

Media Assets

Click here for access to the special photo album of photos throughout the decades.

Linked here is the commemorative logo designed to mark the milestone year.

Social video (00:30 seconds) marking the anniversary.

MEDIA CONTACT

Aralyn Hackney

Emily Barrett

THONpr@a-g.com

About THON™

THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness, and ensure funding for critical research through our partner and sole beneficiary Four Diamonds and official healthcare partner Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital—all in pursuit of a cure.

About Four Diamonds

Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its founding in 1972, Four Diamonds has supported more than 5,500 children and their families by covering 100% of cancer-related medical expenses and comprehensive specialty childhood cancer care at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds also fuels a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine,  advancing improved treatments and cures to benefit children everywhere. For more information, visit  FourDiamonds.org.