For some Penn State staff, the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is a way of life.

Diane Henderson and Joe Hammack, both professors in the math department, and Renee Messina, an athletic trainer, said the meaning of Thon has changed drastically in the last few years.

"Working here, I came to Thon for years," said Messina, who attended Penn State as an undergraduate.

But the impact of Thon didn't really hit home until Messina's daughter, Isabella, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) on March 27, 2003. The disease is more common in adults than children, Messina said.

Isabella is 2 and a half years old.

"We got info right away to ease the concerns and worries about expenses," Messina said. "We had no idea what to expect."

Knox Hammack, Henderson and Hammack's son, now 6 years old, was diagnosed Feb. 11, 2002 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), which is the most common form of childhood cancer.

After Knox was diagnosed, Henderson found out about being a Four Diamonds family through friends.

"Then we got a registration packet in the mail, and we signed up for everything," Henderson said.

Knox was adopted by Kappa Delta sorority and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, 220 N. Burrowes Road.

"They've taken us bowling. They come out and play with Knox; they do an awful lot for us," Henderson said.

Isabella has also been adopted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Board.

"We made it a point when we were here to go and find them in the gymnasium. We plan on being here until the end," Messina said.

Because of Thon, parents of children with cancer don't have to worry about how to pay for treatments and medication.

"It's hard to imagine when this happens. You have the weight of a sick child on your hands, and all you can think about is the cost, and you have no idea, but you know you'll pay it," Hammack said. "Then we discovered the Four Diamonds."

But that isn't the only thing the Four Diamonds Fund does.

"It's a big impact financially, but not as much financially as support-wise," Messina said.

The fund contributes to the Hershey Medical Center to improve the quality of children's hospital time.

"They have daily activities arranged to pass the time. There are VCRs in every room. They make sure the kids have things to entertain themselves," Messina said.

This year, Thon has had a greater impact on these families because of their recent change to Four Diamonds families.

"It's a huge thing for us. To sum it all up, because of Thon, because of the students, what would be a horrible few years changes it into a good experience," Henderson said.

Both Knox and Isabella are in remission and continue to receive check-ups and treatment at the medical center.