Michael Blackson
Editor-in-Chief

The Four Diamonds Fund is fighting the winning fight against pediatric cancer. In the 2012-2013 year, schools were able to raise $2 million through what are called Mini-THONS, a smaller-scale version of a much larger THON.

These are multi-hour dance events, hosting food, entertainment and giving participants the opportunity to donate money to a great cause.

Millersville University will be adding its name to a long list of colleges that are raising awareness and donating money so that scientists can find a cure for pediatric cancer.

Students participate in a Zumba class taught by Haley and Emily at Four Dances for the Kids.
Students participate in a Zumba class taught by Haley and Emily at Four Dances for the Kids.

Specifically, the people who found the inspiration to bring this event to campus were two freshmen girls – Christine Persun and Sarah Barnes.

Benjamin Shoff, a senior student, community service chair of Honors College Student Association, and the co-chair for the Mini-THON, said that these students approached him and the board about having the University’s first-ever THON.
Additional details were exchanged between the two. Soon after, the board approved the event as a part of the girls’ community service.

The Honors College “did not have enough time to form an organization,” said Shoff. Instead, the event was organized through the academic program at no extreme cost to them.

Pete Bush, a senior at Millersville (at right) speaks about his family’s experience with the Four Diamonds Fund. He is joined by his daughter Sydney, who has been cancer-free for six years thanks to Four Diamonds efforts.
Pete Bush, a senior at Millersville (at right) speaks about his family’s experience with the Four Diamonds Fund. He is joined by his daughter Sydney, who has been cancer-free for six years thanks to Four Diamonds efforts.

“A lot of stuff we sell and materials we get for free from the Four Diamonds Fund,” Shoff continued.

The Honors College has already been working with the Four Diamonds Fun through small charities, doing things like selling pens and wristbands. Currently, their goal of $5,000 is 60-65% reached, and they plan on continuing well after the Mini-THON event.

“All students have been all hands-on deck,” Shoff said.

The Millersville University Mini-THON is set for March 28, 2014 at 6 p.m. until midnight in the Student Memorial Center (SMC) multipurpose room (MPR), though Shoff says other activities will be in the SMC room 24 and Club De’Ville on the bottom level of the SMC. There will be music by student bands, food, video game competitions, dance performances, and speeches from families of the Four Diamonds Fund. The dance marathon event, however, is only open to Millersville students and faculty – a MU ID is required for security reasons.

Shoff expressed that, in the future, he hopes to be able to open a Mini-THON to other people outside of the University. For now, though, he is grateful to have opened it up beyond the Honors College.

Students attending the March 7 charity dance, Four Dances for the Kids. The dance featured performances and lessons by FUSION, a Four Diamonds Child who is now 6 years cancer free, Zumba with Haley and Emily, and the Lancaster Swing Dance Club.
Students attending the March 7 charity dance, Four Dances for the Kids. The dance featured performances and lessons by FUSION, a Four Diamonds Child who is now 6 years cancer free, Zumba with Haley and Emily, and the Lancaster Swing Dance Club.

All proceeds will be donated directly to the Four Diamonds Fund and continue supporting children with cancer and their families.
“[We need to] recognize the children and family who are battling cancer,” said Shoff. “They’re the heroes of this whole thing.”

Shoff emphasized that participants and supporters should register on donordrive.com, where they can create a profile, set a fundraising goal, and connect to family members and friends through social media to help raise money for the cause.
For more information or questions on the Millersville Mini-THON, contact co-chairs Benjamin Shoff at bpshoff@millersville.edu or Chelsey Wirth at cawirth@millersville.edu.