Purple Haze
The repercussions of charity
By Lauren Bagian

Feb. 4, 2010

Courage, wisdom, honesty and strength; these are the four pinnacles of the Four Diamonds Fund that provide medical care and emotional support to children being treated for cancer at the Penn State Children’s Hospital at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The Four Diamonds was originally an epic tale written by 14-year-old Christopher Millard, who battled cancer for 3 years. Christopher’s story symbolized his fight against the cancer that ravaged his body and the qualities he needed to display to conquer it. The Four Diamonds Fund was founded by Christopher’s parents, Charles and Irma, after his death in 1972.

For the last few years, Northern High School has been participating in The Four Diamonds Fund’s largest fundraiser, Thon. Usually a 48-hour dance event held at Penn State University, Thon has been condensed into many mini-thons that are held all over the state by high schools and other universities. Northern’s version, the Polar-Thon, will be held Feb. 26 to 27, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The theme this year is NHS Ties-Up Cancer; therefore, the Four Diamonds shirts this year will be a tie-dye design. There will also be a Battle of the Sexes competition in which boys and girls will compete to see who can raise the most money during spirit week (February 22 to 25) leading up to the main event. Co-chairs Andrea Kemble and Rebekah King revealed the themes for the days of spirit week: Pink and Blue Day, Celebrity Day, Retro Day and Flannel Day. Either the boys or girls, whoever raises the most money, will receive free ice cream at lunch on Friday, Feb. 26.

While all these extra fun events are a big attraction for the students, the most important part of the whole fundraiser is helping the children with cancer who are supported by the Four Diamonds Fund. Last year, Northern High School alone raised nearly $21,000, which is incredible for just one student body. The Polar-thon is a great way for students who normally wouldn’t get involved with service clubs like the Key Club to make a difference in the world around them. This could further such actions in the community and for the rest of their lives. Such acts of giving tend to help much more than the specified charity, though these changes are a lot more subtle. However, when an entire community comes together for a common cause, it’s not hard to see the miraculous change that is taking place.