Mini-THON® students from more than 200 schools raised $6,478,166.86 for Four Diamonds during the 2025-26 school year, bringing the program’s lifetime fundraising total to more than $83 million since 1993.
The milestone was celebrated Aug. 7 as hundreds of student leaders and advisors gathered in Hershey for the 2026 Four Diamonds Mini-THON Leadership Summit. The annual event brings the Mini-THON community together to celebrate its collective impact and connect around its shared commitment to conquering childhood cancer.
More Than a Number
Behind every dollar raised are students, advisors, families, volunteers and communities who chose to make a difference.
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, students and volunteers from more than 200 schools organized Mini-THON events, fundraisers and community activities in support of Four Diamonds.
Their efforts help ensure eligible Four Diamonds children receiving cancer treatment at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital never receive a bill for the cost of their child’s cancer care. Their fundraising also helps fuel innovative pediatric cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine, advancing the search for better treatments and cures.
“Year after year, Mini-THON students continue to inspire us with their compassion, creativity and unwavering commitment to helping children with cancer,” said Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds. “The impact of their efforts extends far beyond fundraising. They are providing hope to children and families, advancing lifesaving research and developing into leaders who understand the power of giving back.”
Celebrating a Year of Impact
The annual Mini-THON Leadership Summit gives student leaders and advisors an opportunity to celebrate everything they accomplished together while preparing to make an even greater impact in the year ahead.
Throughout the day, participants connected with peers from other schools, exchanged fundraising ideas and took part in interactive sessions focused on leadership and strengthening their Mini-THON programs. Students also heard directly from Four Diamonds families and pediatric cancer research experts, giving them a deeper look at the impact they make possible.
This year’s celebration also included a historic milestone for Cumberland Valley High School, which became the first Mini-THON school to surpass $4 million in lifetime fundraising for Four Diamonds.
It is an achievement made possible by generations of students, advisors, families and community members committed to carrying the mission forward.
A New Generation of Leaders
Modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON™), Mini-THON empowers K-12 students to join the fight to conquer childhood cancer in their own schools and communities.
Along the way, students develop skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, teamwork and philanthropy while seeing firsthand what can happen when a community rallies around a common purpose.
For more than 30 years, that collective effort has added up to something extraordinary: more than $83 million raised and generations of young leaders united in the fight to conquer childhood cancer.
To every student, advisor, volunteer, family, school and community that made this year possible: thank you.
Together, we are making a difference for children and families today while creating a brighter future for every child facing cancer.
All For The Kids® — and onward to another incredible year of Mini-THON.
Join the Mini-THON Movement
Ready to bring Mini-THON to your school? Learn how your students can join thousands of young leaders raising funds and awareness to help conquer childhood cancer.