THON 2026: Family Hour Stories of Hope, Loss & Fighting For A Cure

The emotional core of THON 2026, Penn State’s annual 46-hour dance marathon, was powerfully on display Sunday with Family Hour, a segment dedicated to the children and families battling cancer who benefit from the event’s fundraising efforts. The event, currently underway at the Bryce Jordan Center, aims to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The hour began with a moving speech from Stacia Millard-Bird, daughter of Charles Millard, a founder of the Four Diamonds Fund. Millard-Bird shared a deeply personal connection to the cause, recounting the loss of her brother, Christopher, to cancer in 1972. She emphasized the profound impact THON has had on her life, stating, “I would not be who I am today without THON. Before THON, I was without a greater purpose. THON is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me,” and adding, “THON makes me believe that magic is real.” Millard-Bird has been involved with THON for over 50 years.

Following Millard-Bird’s introduction, over 80 families supported by the Four Diamonds Fund walked across the stage, each receiving applause from the thousands of students present. This procession served as a poignant reminder of the human impact of the year-long fundraising efforts.

The personal stories of three families – the Pulaskis, the Faulders, and the Jarretts – were then shared, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of fighting childhood cancer.

Devin Pulaski recounted her battle with a Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer, diagnosed in September 2017. What began with a noticed bulge on her stomach led to an emergency room visit and an ultrasound that revealed a tumor “bigger than a grapefruit.” Devin described the fear and uncertainty that followed, stating, “They [doctors] took my parents into a small room where they told them something you never want to hear, ‘Your child has cancer.’” She underwent six weeks of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the tumor and then eight weeks of radiation. Devin is now seven years cancer-free, having rung the bell signifying the end of her treatment in 2018.

Devin’s father, Nick Pulaski, highlighted the financial relief provided by THON and the Four Diamonds Fund, stating, “Because of THON and Four Diamonds, we have to be an accountant or billing coordinator worrying about how to afford Devin’s treatments.” This underscores the critical role the organization plays in alleviating the financial burden on families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.

The Faulders family shared a more recent and complex journey. Keaghan Faulders’ story began with difficulty walking and loss of appetite in December 2023, leading her mother to insist on a chest x-ray at urgent care. This revealed a collapsed right lung and subsequent diagnosis of T-cell Leukemia. Keaghan underwent surgery to drain fluid and receive a port for treatment. After initial remission in April 2023, she developed a dangerous fungal infection, Aspergillosis, requiring a difficult decision: halt radiation and risk relapse, or proceed with risky lung surgery. The family found a surgeon willing to operate, and Keaghan successfully underwent the procedure. She completed a year and a half of anti-fungal medication in October 2024 and finished chemotherapy, ringing the bell on May 19, 2025.

The final family to share their story was the Jarretts. Stephanie Jarrett spoke about her daughter, Courtney, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 15 after falling ill at cheerleading camp. Courtney tragically passed away six weeks after her diagnosis. Stephanie poignantly expressed the enduring legacy of Courtney’s fight, stating, “Courtney did not get the future she deserved. She should have gone to prom, she should have graduated. She should have grown up with her siblings besides her,” but adding, “But because of THON Four Diamonds, others will someday. That is Courtney’s legacy.”

THON 2026, with over 16,000 students participating in fundraising throughout the year, is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. All funds raised go directly to the Four Diamonds Fund, supporting childhood cancer care and research at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. The 700 student dancers currently participating are committed to standing for 46 hours, driven by the stories and strength of the families like those who shared their experiences during Family Hour. As one dancer, Grace Davis of Pittsburgh, explained, “It’s standing for a purpose. You’re going to be tired. You’re going to be sore. But in the end of it, you really think what this is for. It’s for children battling cancer and helping their families.” Since 1977, THON has raised over $254 million for the Four Diamonds Fund.