Three years ago Gabrielle Opatt was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease -- a cancer of the lymphoid tissue. Yet, come March 23, she will have been in remission for two years.

A patient of the Four Diamonds Fund of the University's Hershey Medical Center, "Gabby" visited the University this weekend to help motivate students dancing in the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon.

As a guest of honor at Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, 420 E. Prospect Ave., last Thursday night, the 15-year-old thanked members of both the fraternity and Delta Delta Delta sorority, 108 South Cross Hall, for becoming involved. Prior to the marathon, the two groups spent time on canning trips to raise additional money for the fund.

Members of Kappa Delta Rho said Gabby's visit was helpful in building morale before the marathon.

Larry Shapiro (junior-management), co-chairman for the dance marathon, said that each year they try to bring a cancer patient supported by Four Diamonds to serve as a "motivational tool" for the dancers.

"It's important so they can tell us our efforts are really worth it," Shapiro said.

The marathon is the "primary source of profit" for the Four Diamonds Fund, Gabby said, adding that cancer treatment is often long and very costly. "It's something you don't think about when you're on it."

Gabby was on treatment, both chemotherapy and radiation, for one-and-a-half years, and will be on medication for the rest of her life.

"Without Four Diamonds my treatment would have been a lot harder than it already was," she said.

Almost 50 percent of treatment costs are covered by Four Diamonds and for low income families almost all expenses are covered, Gabby told about 60 members of both Kappa Delta Rho and Delta Delta Delta.

In addition to financial aid, Gabby said the program is emotionally supportive. The "Child-Life" group's primary goal is to keep patients happy and keep their mind off the treatment, which isn't easy, Gabby said sympathetically.

Although Gabby is not as involved with the program because she is in remission, she remains close to it.

Gabby said she often does public relations work for the program and frequently visits the pediatric ward and new patients at the medical center, home of the Four Diamonds Fund.

"I just give them a feel for what's going on," she said. And with her bright smile and enthusiasm, perhaps even some inspiration.

Jeanne Wesel (senior-political science), co-chairwoman of the marathon for Delta Delta Delta, said the marathon's effects were well worth it.

"(The marathon) is a major contribution from all of you to the Four Diamonds Fund," she said.

Reading a quote by Allison Pennell (junior-English), also a member of Delta Delta Delta, Wesel helped Gabby sum up the meaning behind the marathon.

"We do it for children we didn't know, but we loved all the same."