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HARRISBURG -- Penn State THON and Four Diamonds marked 50 years of partnership during an event at the Pennsylvania Capitol, highlighting more than $273 million raised for pediatric cancer care and research.
The event, held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, brought together representatives of THON, Four Diamonds, Penn State Health and the General Assembly to discuss the partnership’s work in supporting children with cancer and their families.
Four Diamonds covers out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance for standard and research-related childhood cancer treatments for eligible patients at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. According to the organizations, more than 5,500 children have received financial assistance through the program.
Lauren Mellas, executive director of THON, said the student-run organization has developed into a year-round fundraising effort.
"It’s college students choosing to be a part of something bigger than themselves," Mellas said. "THON creates a tangible impact in partnership with our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds."
Funds raised through THON also support pediatric cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine. According to information provided by the organizations, the five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has increased from 63% in 1977 to about 87% today.
Dr. Sarah Iriana, interim chair of Pediatrics at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine, said treating childhood cancer requires specialists addressing needs beyond the disease itself.
"At Penn State Health, that team includes more than 30 specialty care providers who tend to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of young people with cancer and their families," Iriana said.
Dr. Smita Dandekar, director of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital, said Four Diamonds funding also supports efforts to translate laboratory research into patient care.
The event also included remarks from childhood cancer survivor Devin Pulaski, who discussed the support her family received during treatment.
"Some of the strongest and most lasting memories are of the people who helped me through it," Pulaski said.
Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly also recognized the organizations’ 50-year partnership. Rep. Thomas Mehaffie presented a House citation, while Sen. Patty Kim presented a Senate citation.
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and Sens. Scott Martin, Dawn Keefer and Cris Dush also participated in the recognition.