Despite last night's falling snow, about 350 students came to watch The Four Diamonds, a Disney movie based on the life of Christopher Millard, who died of cancer at age 14.

Chair members from the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (Thon) gave students a chance last night to see the story that began the Four Diamonds Fund and ultimately led to Thon. "It has been so amazing for us to have this opportunity and to see that movie and to feel you are going through everything with him," Thon public relations chair Carrie Konosky said.

The movie is based on an essay written by Millard about his battle against cancer. His story centers on a knight who must complete four quests based on courage, wisdom, honesty and strength.

Sara Firestone, coordinator for the Four Diamonds Fund, said the essay was made into a movie after Millard's sister gave a copy of it to a friend in Los Angeles. A script was made and Walt Disney Pictures signed up a few years later. "They [Millard's parents] were very involved; they told them what to put in and take out," Firestone said.

She added that most of the movie is very close to Millard's story, except for the major detail that Millard received treatments in Philadelphia. In reality, Millard received his medical care in Boston. "Charles [Christopher Millard's father] said they were very involved in the script. They filmed parts of the movie in Eugene, Ore., and the Millards were on set," Firestone said.

Disney has not given the rights to reproduce the movie, therefore there are very few copies, said Jeff Sirkin, Thon communications chair.

He added that it was important for members of Thon to understand the origin of the Four Diamonds Fund.

"More than anything else, it's amazing to see firsthand how everything started," Sirkin said.

He said the problems the Millards face are the same ones the children of Four Diamonds go through today, and the movie will help remind students of that.

"I thought it was very overwhelming because it put a picture with the cause," Mer Syles (senior-psychology) said.

Chetan Shah (junior-finance) said he feels, at times, Thon is too commercialized, and people tend to lose value, but the movie will keep things in perspective.