HERSHEY, Pa. — Energized by a shared mission to conquer childhood cancer, student leaders from across Pennsylvania and beyond gathered today for the annual Mini-THON Leadership Summit. The event opened with a powerful announcement: Students raised an impressive $6,413,950.26 during the 2024-25 school year to support Four Diamonds.
Since its inception in 1993, the Four Diamonds Mini-THON program has contributed more than $77 million to the fight against childhood cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine.
Mini-THON is a Four Diamonds program coordinated by K-12 students at schools in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) more than 30 years ago, the multi-hour, interactive events engage hundreds of thousands of students each year to raise money that benefits Four Diamonds. The funding supports Four Diamonds families at the Children’s Hospital through high-quality pediatric cancer care and financial support, and fuels research seeking new treatments and cures for all childhood cancers.
The summit, held in Hershey, brought together hundreds of K-12 students and advisers for a day of inspiration, collaboration and leadership development. Designed to empower the next generation of changemakers, the event featured breakout sessions where participants shared innovative ideas and strategies to elevate their Mini-THON efforts in the year ahead.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, student leaders and volunteers from more than 225 schools organized creative fundraisers and community events to support Four Diamonds. Every dollar raised helps provide financial assistance to families facing childhood cancer treatment at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and fuels groundbreaking research at Penn State College of Medicine aimed at finding a cure.
“Each year, it’s nothing short of extraordinary to see thousands of students rally together to help us conquer childhood cancer,” said Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds. “Their unwavering commitment and the outpouring of support from our community fuel real hope. Through Mini-THON, students not only help kids fight cancer — they also grow into compassionate, empowered leaders.”
The Mini-THON Leadership Summit is presented annually by Four Diamonds in collaboration with presenting sponsor MI Windows and Doors, by MITER Brands. Additional support for the event is provided by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts and Graphtech.
More information about Four Diamonds Mini-THON is available here.