The sun was bright and hopes were high on the afternoon of April 19. On this afternoon, Ship Mini-THON hosted its first kickball and barbeque benefit.

Participants donated $5 each to play on a team of eight to 10 players. Singles were also encouraged to sign up with a donation of $7. Many THON volunteers participated in the event. All of the money raised will be donated to the Four Diamonds Organization, which helps children with cancer at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Shippensburg University is home to two Four Diamonds students: Gus Bostdorf and Kirsten German. Both of these students have been treated at Hershey Medical Center with the assistance of Four Diamonds. The organization is there to provide these students with financial and emotional support. This support comes in the way of everything from gas vouchers to social workers, to fill-in when insurance does not cover all needs.

Gary and Marsha Bigler are one of the Four Diamonds families that attended the event. They have been involved with THON for nearly seven years and it is very clear that they both love everything about it.

To date, Four Diamonds has been able to aid every single childhood cancer patient that has been treated at Hershey Medical Center. According to the website, every year the Four Diamonds organization helps about 600 children who have cancer.

This event was just one the many Mini-THON hosted events on campus. According to Mini-THON President, Jennifer Braun, THON hopes to raise $15,000 this year to support Four Diamonds. The goal is just slightly higher than the $13,102.45 raised last year.

“Together, we are kicking our way to a cure,” sophomore Emily Snyder said. 

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