Rebecca was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in June 1995. Four years later, Rebecca still goes to the Hershey Medical Center for blood work every other month, although she has finished chemotherapy, said her mother, Ilene Oken.

"It became a way of life for her," Ilene Oken said. "She took her medicine and that was it. Things were never different for her."

For David Lys, however, cancer had not been a part of his life until it took a drastic turn. He was 21 years old when diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of pediatric cancer that usually strikes younger children.

"October 7, 1997, was the worst day of my life," Lys said. "I'd never seen my father cry before that day."

Lys said he spent about 76 nights at Hershey last year, receiving 13 to 14 chemotherapy treatments. He underwent a complete hip replacement because of the cancer, but the operation did not deter him from making an appearance at the 1998 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. He attended the marathon despite the 57 staples in his leg that caused him pain and discomfort.

Diamond of Honesty: The Fund

For families under this kind of duress, the Four Diamonds Fund can aid the healing process.

The Okens learned about the Four Diamonds Fund as soon as Rebecca was diagnosed. Ilene Oken said she learned more about the fund as Rebecca's treatment wore on.

"They help out with your medical bills and anything that your insurance doesn't pick up," she said. "Over the last several years, we learned everything about what they provide for the families."

One look at Lys' medical bills can show how much money is needed to treat patients with cancerous diseases. Although his mother's insurance could cover about 80 percent of the cost of treatment, Lys said, the bills were so high that even that much coverage would not be enough. The fund covered all the expenses his family's insurance could not.

"There are a lot of kids who need this money," Lys said. "Without research, there will never be a cure."

Jennifer Grim, a social worker for Four Diamonds families, said there is much more to the fund than medical bill payment. Four Diamonds sponsors support groups for families of children with cancer, such as Siblings Unique and Open Arms. An ancillary expense fund is set aside for those families that may have trouble paying household bills, such as mortgage and utilities, due to their child's illness.

"It does help to know that they don't have to deal with astronomical medical bills," Grim said.

The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is the main supporter of the Four Diamonds Fund. Last year, more than $2 million was raised to help Four Diamonds families. Some of these funds go to supporting employees of Hershey Medical Center who deal specifically with Four Diamonds families. Jennifer Grim is one of these workers.

Diamond of Wisdom: The Employees

Grim is fully supported by the fund so she can help families through intensive psycho-social programming. She finds the appreciation families have for the dancers who give up time and sleep for sick children uplifting.

"Since I've been here, 'Penn State Proud' has taken on a whole new meaning," she said.

Moye Stauffer has been a clinical nurse at Hershey since 1991. She works in the infusion room, where children are given blood products and chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Stauffer has been taking care of Four Diamonds patients since she began working at Hershey.

"I can't see myself working anywhere else," she said. "It affects your life tremendously."

Diamond of Strength: The Dancers

Each year, Thon participants shatter the record for the amount of money raised for the fund. The event is something that keeps many kids hopeful of a cure for their illnesses.

The Okens have been to Thon three times since Rebecca's diagnosis.

"We thought it was fantastic. We didn't know what to expect when we went the first time," Ilene said. They went to Thon for the first time eight months after Rebecca was diagnosed.

Rebecca, turning her mouth up into a grin missing a baby tooth, said she liked the dancing at Thon the best.

"We had no idea what it was about, what was going to happen. We only went up for the day at the time," Ilene Oken said. "We were just stunned by what goes on and the spirit of the kids who dance and how active they were with the kids who were sick and the whole feeling of it was just . . . incredible."

During their time with the Four Diamonds Fund, the Okens began spending more time at the marathon each year. The support Ilene Oken receives from other families there gives her a great sense of security, she said.

Others feel Thon's spirit just as strongly.

"Dance marathon means the world to me right now," Lys said. "I've never been athletic, I'm not an academic all-star, but Thon is my passion right now."

It's not only families and Penn State students that attend Thon, however. Employees of the Hershey Medical Center also support the fund during those crucial 48 hours.