For families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, support from the community can make all the difference. While more than 200 Mini-THON schools raise critical funds for Four Diamonds to fuel research and treatment, many also create spaces where Four Diamonds' children and families feel seen, supported and connected to their community.
For Four Diamonds child Daniel, those connections have become an essential part of his cancer journey. He was first introduced to Mini-THON just before turning two years old. His mom, Shannon, spoke at Hershey High School’s event.
From that first experience, having support from Mini-THON so close to home has provided profound comfort. Now in second grade, Daniel eagerly looks forward to THON and Mini-THON each year. “He starts talking about it in September.” Shannon says, “By February, the school’s tired of hearing about it. He loves playing with the kids, keeping score for the volleyball tournament, photobombing—he’s just one of the kids.”
Shannon works at Hershey Middle School and sees her students checking in on Daniel, making sure he feels included in Mini-THON activities. She recalls one middle schooler who wanted to donate a dollar they had brought to school rather than spend it at the snack cart. “It was impressive because they’re still at an age where they are learning empathy,” said Shannon.
For Four Diamonds child Sean, the family connection dates back further than his first Mini-THON. Sean’s parents, Melissa and Zane, were both involved in THON as students at Penn State. After Sean was diagnosed with leukemia, the work and mission of Four Diamonds became more personal.
“When we got the call from the pediatrician that Sean needed to go directly to Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, it didn’t fully register,” Melissa shares. “It wasn’t until we got off the elevator and saw all the THON signs on the walls that it really hit us. This is our reality now.”
From that moment on, Four Diamonds became more than an organization they once supported. It became a source of comfort, providing not just financial support but a strong and uplifting community.
From the beginning, both Sean and his brother Adam were encouraged to bring friends along to Mini-THON, ensuring they felt comfortable and supported in the high-energy environment. Now Adam attends as one of the top fundraisers, while Sean continues to enjoy Mini-THON surrounded by friends.
Both families value the lasting connections built through their participation in Mini-THON. Those connections serve as a tangible reminder of who is helped by Four Diamonds support.
This year, Melissa connected with a new Four Diamonds family at Southwestern Mini-THON, where they shared their experiences and supported one another. For many families, Mini-THON is more than a fundraiser. It is a place that highlights the power of community and connection.
“It puts a real-life perspective on where the money goes,” Melissa said. “The financial support is huge, but the comfort and network for families, that connection is just as valuable. It reassures you that, somehow, you will make it through.”
Get Involved
Support Mini-THON in your community by attending an event, donating or getting involved at a local school. Every effort helps create meaningful connections and provide critical support for Four Diamonds children and families.