The final stages of Penn State’s THON 2024 began with Family Hour on Sunday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center. Stacia Bird, the daughter of Four Diamonds founder Charles Millard, touched on the event’s “Treasure Every Adventure” theme and its relation to her father’s vision toward raising pediatric cancer awareness to kick off the segment.
Bird’s brother, Christopher, lost his battle with cancer in 1972 at just 14 years old. Since then, Bird has treasured Christopher’s legacy through her involvement in the organization her father once started.
“There’s all of you taking on this adventure of fundraising, being a part of his legacy, pushing yourselves, exploring unknown territory, [and] staying up for 46 hours,” Bird said. “…Treasure the adventure. The ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, and knowing that everything you do makes a difference. From saving a life to easing the pain and bringing joy to the kids and their families in their greatest time of need.”
After Bird’s introduction, the family procession began. Over 80 Four Diamonds families were escorted across the THON stage to be recognized by the full-capacity Bryce Jordan Center crowd.