1965 – SIR MILLARD
Christopher Millard was 11 years old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. Shortly before he lost his 3-year battle with cancer, he wrote a story about a great knight who sought out the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength in order to be released from the grips of an evil sorceress. These diamonds symbolized the attributes that Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer. Read Chris’ story.
1972 – FOUR DIAMONDS IS FOUNDED
In honor of their son, Chris’ parents, Charles and Irma Millard, founded Four Diamonds to assist children and their families in their fight against childhood cancer. Through Four Diamonds, Chris Millard and his legendary story live on, and serve as a beacon of hope for children and their families fighting cancer.
1977 – WE BECOME PARTNERS IN THE FIGHT
Four Diamonds and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center enter into a charter with the mission of conquering childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.
Four Diamonds and the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) unite FTK® – For The Kids when THON names Four Diamonds the beneficiary of all fundraising activities. To date, THON has raised more than $127 million in the fight to conquer childhood cancer.
2018 – WE INSPIRE, EMPOWER, AND ACTIVATE
Today, Four Diamonds inspires, empowers, and activates youth and young adults in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 3,600 children and families and supported a diverse platform of childhood cancer research at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, seeking improved treatments and cures to benefit those around the world.
