Four Diamonds Mini-THON ® surpasses $83 million raised in the fight to conquer childhood cancer since 1993
Students take to the stage at the 2026 Mini-THON Leadership Summit to unveil the total amount raised by Mini-THON events during the 2025-2026 school year.
Student leaders celebrate more than $6.4 million raised in 2025-26
Student leaders from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states gathered today in Hershey for the annual Mini-THON Leadership Summit, where they celebrated another milestone year in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. During the event, students revealed an impressive $6,478,166.86 raised during the 2025-26 school year to support Four Diamonds. Since beginning in 1993, the Four Diamonds Mini-THON program has contributed more than $83 million to conquer childhood cancer at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine.
August 7, 2026Penn State Health News
The annual Leadership Summit brings together hundreds of student leaders and advisors for a day of collaboration, inspiration and leadership development. Through interactive breakout sessions, participants exchange ideas and share successful fundraising strategies to prepare for another impactful year of supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. They also hear firsthand about the impact of their fundraising efforts from Four Diamonds families and cancer research experts
“Year after year, Mini-THON students continue to inspire us with their compassion, creativity and unwavering commitment to helping children with cancer,” said Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds. “The impact of their efforts extends far beyond fundraising. They are providing hope to children and families, advancing lifesaving research and developing into leaders who understand the power of giving back.”
During the 2025-26 school year, students and volunteers from more than 200 schools organized creative fundraisers and community events to benefit Four Diamonds. Every dollar raised helps provide financial assistance and comprehensive care to eligible children receiving cancer treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital while advancing groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine
This year, Four Diamonds also recognized Cumberland Valley High School as the first Mini-THON school to surpass $4 million in lifetime fundraising, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of dedication from students, advisors and the surrounding community
Mini-THON empowers K-12 students to become leaders in the fight to conquer childhood cancer while having fun doing it. Modeled after the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™), the multi-hour, fun-filled events celebrate a year-long fundraising effort that brings together students, families and local communities. Students gain work-ready skills in communication, critical thinking and teamwork. Funding from Mini-THONs has supported Four Diamonds children and their families at the Children’s Hospital through high-quality pediatric cancer care and financial support and fueled research seeking new treatments and cures for more than 30 years.
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
More information about joining or starting a Four Diamonds Mini-THON is available here
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