On November 4, 2006 our lives changed forever. Our son Lachlan was diagnosed with a rare but very aggressive malignant tumor of the orbit of the eye called rhabdomyosarcoma. We began an exhaustive schedule of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The six months that followed his diagnosis were a very challenging time for our family. We struggled with life and death scenarios with our youngest son.

In addition to the stress of this situation we struggled with how we would deal with the day to day reality of his condition. While we valued the peace of mind that our insurance would cover a large amount of our necessary expenses, it was the value of the people we encountered at The Children’s Hospital at the Hershey Medical Center that had greater meaning to us. Through our faith in God and the help of the people at Four Diamonds Fund we were able cope with all the challenges, and without them, we would not be where we are today.

Since 1972, the Four Diamonds Fund has provided financial support to over 2,000 families with a pediatric cancer patient being treated at The Children’s Hospital at Hershey Medical Center. Above and beyond the direct expenses associated with cancer treatment, the foundation assists families by covering ancillary expenses including gas, lodging, meals, and household utilities. As if this were not enough, the foundation is responsible for providing the Children’s Hospital at the Hershey Medical Center with medical personnel and grants for pediatric cancer research.

As of April 12 2012 Lachlan has reached the 5 year milestone and living cancer free! We endure with cautious optimism, but are so grateful for the support we received from friends, family and the Four Diamonds Fund through Lachlan’s battle that we want to continue to give back to those who have supported us and also do anything possible to furthering the effort to conquer childhood cancer. In that spirit, we have established the 4 The Cure Foundation. Our mission: To honor and champion the valiant young warriors and their families courageous battle against pediatric cancer, and to help raise awareness of the Four Diamonds Fund.

For our inaugural year, the 4 The Cure Foundation will hold 4 The Cure. This event will consist of a 4 mile run and a shorter1 Mile Fun Run/Walk that will be held on the grounds of the PA Renaissance Faire (approximately 16 miles from the Hershey Medical Center). The event will have a medieval setting in honor of the foundation of the Four Diamonds Fund-Chris Millard’s story, the Four Diamonds Founders son, who lost his battle with cancer in 1972. Before Chris passed he penned a story of his battle in an Arthurian setting which we hope to bring to life in a unique and powerful event, to subsequently help raise awareness of the Four Diamonds Fund and support the mission of the 4 The Cure Foundation.

Without the Four Diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty and strength and the people that embody them, we would not be where we are today. Lachlan’s journey has inspired us to give back and all of the proceeds from this event will be donated directly to the Four Diamonds Fund. This is where you come in, as there are many families who need our help. By participating as a Sponsor or a Diamond Level sponsor of your choice, your company’s donation can go a long way in providing hope for the additional 600 families that receive support from this foundation every year.

We hope that you will support the Four Diamonds Fund through 4 The Cure. Your support is vital to those families that are being touched by cancer. Please keep in mind, that yesterday, today and tomorrow more families are changed by the same devastating news we heard on November 4, 2006.

Want to stay with fellow THON alums during THON 2013? DMAIG partnered with Days Inn in State College to put together a 10 single/double occupancy room block for THON 2013 weekend, Friday, February 15 and Saturday, February 16.

The single/double occupancy rooms are $93/night. For interested DMAIG members to reserve a room, they must call the Days Inn prior to January 15, 2013 at 1-800-258-3297 or 814-238-8454 and mention the group code: CGMAIG.

More rooms will be available for booking if there is enough interest.