The Conquer Run, which took runners and walkers on a 5K adventure through Hersheypark, raised more than $188,000 for Four Diamonds and the fight against childhood cancer. The event, which drew 2,000 participants this year, was presented by the Hershey Company. The dollar total represents a $77,000 increase from last year’s Conquer Run.
Proceeds from the conquer run benefit Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Childhood cancer is the No. 1 disease killer of children in the United States – more than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Treatment outcomes for children with cancer have made tremendous improvements in the past 50 years, but the reality is one in five children with cancer will still die of their disease within five years. Four Diamonds is working to save all children from this deadly diagnosis.
The mission of Four Diamonds is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.
Each year, Four Diamonds provides direct support to approximately 600 children with cancer – 100 who are newly diagnosed and 500 who are continuing their fight. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 3,400 children and families and supported a diverse platform of pediatric cancer research at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, seeking improved treatments and cures to benefit those around the world.