The mission of The Four Diamonds Fund is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.
About The Four Diamonds Fund
Charles and Irma Millard established The Four Diamonds Fund in 1972 after the death of their 14 year old son, Christopher. Shortly before losing his battle with cancer, Christopher wrote a story about the great knight Sir Millard who sought out the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength in order to be released from the evil grips of the sorceress. These diamonds symbolized the attributes that he believed were necessary to overcome cancer and thus the Fund received its name, The Four Diamonds Fund.
Since its formation, the Fund has served more than 2,000 families who reside from the Central PA area, as well as some from surrounding states. Even with approximately 100 new families a year becoming Four Diamonds families the fund has had the good fortune to never have to turn down a family seeking assistance. Four Diamonds supports these families in various way both directly and indirectly. The Fund covers all expenses for the care and treatment of the children not paid for by insurance or other means. In addition, the Fund assists families with expenses that have the potential to disrupt the welfare of their child, by paying for necessary expenses such as car repairs, rent, or household utilities. The Hershey Medical staff is also supported by the Fund and as a result this team of pediatric oncologists, nurse specialists, social workers, child life specialists, a clinical nutritionist, a clinical psychologist, and a music therapist can provide comprehensive care for their young patients and their families. Additionally The Four Diamonds Fund supports research projects conducted at the Hershey Medical Center that relate to pediatric cancer, which includes endowing two research positions for pediatric oncologists.
Much of this is made possible through the continued support of The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, with the additional support of mini-THONs put on by many PA area high schools and middle schools. These fundraising efforts have been the heart beat that keep the Millard's dream alive and growing until there is no longer a need for the Fund when we find a cure for pediatric cancer.
