This year, Catoctin High School students are organizing the school’s very first Mini-THON fundraiser, a program that works with schools and colleges to raise money for Pediatric Cancer Research. The Catoctin Mini-THON fundraiser is a spin-off of Penn State’s THON fundraiser, which also raises money for the same cause. Both of these events include year-long fundraisers that end with an event that celebrates the hard work of the fundraiser and reveals the total proceeds raised. The goal of these fundraisers is to get students and the community involved in such an important and worthy cause.
The organization responsible for providing funding to Pediatric Cancer Research at Hershey Children’s Hospital is named Four Diamonds. Since 1972, over 3,700 children and their families have been relieved of the financial burden of Pediatric Cancer, thanks to Four Diamonds. After becoming a Four Diamonds Child, 100 percent of all medical expenses due to cancer that are not covered by a family’s insurance, are paid for by funds from Four Diamonds.
The creation of this life-changing organization was created because an eleven-year-old boy lost his three-year battle with cancer. In 1969, Christopher Mallard was diagnosed with cancer. During his battle, he wrote a story about a knight who was seeking the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength, so that he could escape an evil sorceress. Christopher used the diamonds to symbolize what characteristics one needed to have in order to conquer cancer. His parents, Charles and Irma, created Four Diamonds as a way to honor their son’s life and help other families in need.
After hearing this touching story, Catoctin students were eager to get involved and joined the Mini-THON program. “Causes such as this are able to have profound effects on so many lives, and it’s truly amazing to be a part of it,” said Catoctin senior Hannah Belt.
Since the beginning of the school year, students have hosted several small fundraisers all leading up to one major Mini-THON event on April 7, 2017. The Mini-THON event will be open to all Catoctin students and will feature performances, music, guest speakers, games, dancing, activities, food, prizes, and fun for everyone.
Tickets for Mini-THON will be available for purchase during lunch shifts closer to the event. Monetary and in-kind donations are being accepted for this event. If you’d like to make a donation to support this event, please contact chairperson Lily Bean at 301-788-8062.
For information on upcoming events, see Twitter and Facebook pages: Twitter: @CHSMini_THON; Facebook Page: Catoctin High School 2017 MiniThon.
