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New Year – A New Hope - For The Kids
For most of us, January 1st is a time for resolutions. Whether it be to exercise more, loose weight, or to spend more time with family, each resolution is made with the hope of a new beginning.
But for many children and their families it is simply one more day in the hospital, one more holiday missed at home, one more treatment...
Because of this, for one amazing group of people, January 1st marks 1 month, 1 week and 6 days until they embark on a very special journey. This journey will take them 135 miles through the cold, dark back roads of Central PA as they run, "For The Kids." This journey is The Hope Express.
The Hope Express is much
deeper than any words can describe. After all, hope enters the soul from a
place of darkness. Childhood cancer is that darkness, which not only ravages the
bodies of children, but every physical, mental and financial aspect of their
family. It is from that darkness that the Four Diamonds Fund and the Hope
Express were created and with them, the belief
that childhood cancer can be conquered, the hope that is brought to families, and the generous gifts that have made miracles.
Believe. Hope. Give.
BELIEVE
The Four Diamonds Fund: “The
Four Diamonds Fund was established by Charles and Irma Millard after the death
of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. The
Four Diamonds is named after a story that Chris wrote shortly before he lost
his battle with cancer at the age of 14. In Chris’ story, a knight must find
the Four Diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength in order to be
released from captivity by an evil sorceress. These Four Diamonds are symbolic
of the traits Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer.
The Four Diamonds offsets the
cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, as well as expenses that may
affect the welfare of the child. The Four Diamonds supports the medical team
that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through
start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute.”
(www.thon.org)
HOPE
The Hope Express: “The Hope Express is a 135-mile run created to bridge the gap between
the families on the 7th floor at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA and
the Dancers at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (aka THON), a year
round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering Childhood
Cancer” (www.thehopeexpress.org). These
runners spread awareness of the Four Diamonds Fund during their 135 miles
adventure (or 140 mile for the Extreme Team) before completing their journey by
delivering the special messages they carry with them as they run through the
mountains of Central PA. These messages of love, hope and appreciation are made
for the dancers by the children at Hershey who are too sick to attend THON Weekend.
In 2012, The Hope Express, with the support of the family, friends, neighbors
and even strangers, raised 75, 000 “For the Kids”
GIVE
The fight against childhood
cancer is a battle bigger than any one of us. But each one of us can do small things
that together, will someday soon conquer it all. We just need to believe, have
hope and give what we can (time, money, love). There are three simple ways to
support The Hope Express and the Four Diamonds Fund.
1. Before
The Hope Express leaves Hershey February 14, 2013, we need your support and
donations. All donations go to the Four Diamonds Fund and the THON total and
will support the groundbreaking cancer research at the Hershey Medical Center
and provide financial assistant to families, allowing them to focus on their
child’s needs. To give, visit http://www.give2theexpress.org/supporting-hope/
or message me as where to send a check. All donations must be received by
February 9th. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a big difference
to a family whose child is battling cancer.
2. The
Hope Express welcomes inspirational letters, cards, and art for the runners
and/or The Hope Express’ Four Diamond children and families. Send emails to service@pennstatephilly.org. Send
mail by February 1st, to Hope Express: Letters of Hope c/o The
Philadelphia Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, P.O. Box 22402 –
Philadelphia, PA 19110. For more information, contact Christina at service@pennstatephilly.org
3. The
easiest and greatest thing you can do is spread the word about The HOPE Express
and the Four Diamonds Fund. Share the Four Diamonds Fund and The HOPE Express'
websites, Tweet all about it (#135in24FTK), link it, blog about it, Facebook
it, Pin it, share, share, share...
Liberty Ball, A Knight For The Kids (Philadelphia’s black tie optional benefit for the Four Diamonds Fund. To
find the Gala in your area, click here.)
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