Four Diamonds Launches New ‘Play for the Kids’ Fundraising Initiative

Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital has launched a new fundraising program to unite supporters nationwide in the effort to conquer childhood cancer.

“Play for the Kids,” has a goal “to embrace the essence of childhood, being young at heart and offering support to kids who often miss out on many childhood activities because of their battle with cancer,” according to a press release.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, a variety of events, such as food eating contests and fitness challenges, will raise funds for Four Diamonds families. Money raised by the initiative will support pediatric cancer research and help ensure that no Four Diamonds child, regardless of income, ever receives a bill for their care.

“Play For The Kids is a celebration of children’s joy and how kids have a magical way of finding delight in everything they do,” Leigh Anna Hilbert, interim director of Community Fundraising Programs at Four Diamonds, said. “By joining our Play For The Kids community, supporters are making a commitment to Four Diamonds’ mission of conquering childhood cancer and giving hope to children and families everywhere.”

Supporters of all ages can register now at FourDiamonds.org/playforthekids as part of a team or as an individual participant and begin fundraising. Money raised can be designated to THON, the Penn State student-run philanthropy benefiting Four Diamonds, or to Four Diamonds directly. Participants who raise more than $100 will receive a free “Play For The Kids” T-shirt.

The campaign’s fundraising goal is $400,000.

Four Diamonds will also host virtual events at noon on Tuesday and 7 p.m. on Thursday for those interested in learning more.

“Regardless of what my son needed medically during his cancer treatment, we never received a bill because of Four Diamonds’ support,” Amy Newswanger, mother of Four Diamonds child Weston, said. “The Four Diamonds community has been with our family throughout our entire cancer journey, and we’re honored to participate in Play For The Kids to support others in their fight.”

Since 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,000 children and families by covering 100% of medical bills. The organization also supports a pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer.