Turning an Idea into Action
Turning an Idea into ActionWhen Claire and Hailey came to Alvernia University, they knew they wanted to make a difference.
Inspired by their experiences with Mini-THON® and a similar fundraising program in high school, they started a Team FTK® chapter at Alvernia. Their goal was simple: bring students together to support children and families facing childhood cancer.
"I wanted to use my time to create a better future for someone else and for the children and families that need it most," said Hailey.
The students organized Alvernia's first Team FTK event in March 2025, and it broke the fundraising record for Team FTK. Their second dance marathon in March 2026 raised even more, proving that the event was quickly becoming an annual tradition on campus.
What Is Team FTK?
Team FTK is a Four Diamonds collegiate community that brings colleges and universities together to help conquer childhood cancer.
Students raise money for Four Diamonds while educating their campus about childhood cancer and the impact of Four Diamonds on children and families. Although every Team FTK chapter is different, they all share the same mission: helping children with cancer and their families.
A Year of Planning
Alvernia Team FTK is completely student-led.
Each fall, student leaders begin planning for the year. They organize committees for fundraising, dancer relations and event planning. They also work with local businesses to sponsor their events.
Their biggest event is a 16-hour overnight dance marathon. About 100 students participate each year. Students donate at least $25 to dance, and many raise even more through fundraising.
Every hour of the marathon includes a different activity to keep participants engaged. The event begins with Family Hour, where children, families and community members come together to celebrate the mission.
In 2025, the team also introduced encouraging messages from professors and staff. Faculty members wrote notes to cheer on students as they danced through the night.
While staying awake for 16 hours can be difficult, students remember why they are there.
"We're dancing for kids that have to go through the toughest challenges," said Claire, Alvernia Team FTK co-director.
Raising Awareness Across Campus
Fundraising is only part of Alvernia Team FTK's mission.
The group also helps educate students about childhood cancer. Members share updates on social media, host information tables at sporting events and speak in classes about Four Diamonds.
At the beginning of every meeting, they share a "mission moment" to remind members where their fundraising goes. Learning about programs like music therapy and art therapy helps students connect with the impact they are making.
Creative Ways to Give Back
Throughout the year, Alvernia Team FTK hosts a variety of fundraisers.
At athletic events, members set up information tables and organize 50-50 raffles. They also partner with local restaurants for fundraising nights.
One of their most successful events was a Blind Date With a Book fundraiser. Around Valentine's Day, members wrapped donated books in brown paper and wrote a short description on each one. Buyers picked a book based only on the description, making every purchase a surprise.
Another favorite fundraiser is a pickleball tournament hosted by the Pickleball Club. The tournament draws students from across campus, and the club donates a $100 prize for the winners.
Creating a Lasting Impact
For Claire and Hailey, leading Team FTK taught them valuable lessons about teamwork, communication and leadership. More importantly, it gave them the chance to build something that will continue helping others long after they graduate.
What started as a small idea has grown into a campus community united by one mission: helping children and families facing childhood cancer.
Interested in bringing Team FTK to your college or university? Learn more about how to start a chapter and join the fight to conquer childhood cancer.