Neya Kratzer

When my brother was 16 months old, he was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. He endured things that most adults can't even imagine, just to have a chance to grow up. It is difficult to imagine how we would have survived this journey without Four Diamonds. Just a few days after Collin was diagnosed, our social worker told us about Four Diamonds, and how it would cover any of Collin's care that wasn't covered by our insurance. Four Diamonds allowed my parents to focus on Collin's health, without worrying about whether they could afford the care he needed to get better. Even after his hospitalization, Four Diamonds continued to cover the care and extensive therapies he needed to get better. Along with providing financial assistance to pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Children's Hospital, Four Diamonds provides funding for many of the staff that care for these children, as well as funding for research that could someday lead to better treatments and cures. Four Diamonds wouldn't be able to provide the level of assistance that it does without the incredible efforts of students who work so hard to raise money through THON. My family, and so many others, are very appreciative of the hard work and generosity of these students and without such a dedicated organization, I don't know where we would be today. 

THON and Altoona Benefiting THON are very important to me because they supported my family throughout my brother's battle with cancer. My family first attended THON in 2011, which was when we became paired with Altoona Benefiting THON. Since then, they have fundraised using my family's story as inspiration, and have been a constant source of emotional support. Being able to witness and be a part of such an inspiring event for over half my life has not only taught me a lot, but also shaped me into the person that I am today.

Since attending my first THON, it has been my goal to attend Penn State and be involved in Altoona Benefiting THON to contribute to the organization that has been so important in my life. Watching the dancers stand during THON weekend is truly inspiring. Even when everyone is extremely exhausted, physically and mentally drained, and aching from the pain of standing, they continue to fight for the full 46 hours. It is eye-opening that standing, which is something most people take for granted everyday, can become so difficult, which is only a fraction of how difficult it can be for children fighting cancer. From my perspective, it makes me appreciative of the fact that other students my age can be so driven to help others and provide support to families like my own. Another amazing part of THON is the inclusivity and connections between the students and the children on treatment. These kids sometimes spend long periods of their lives in hospitals, so it is difficult for them to make friendships and have fun experiences. However, at THON, they are able to feel loved and appreciated. The events at THON give kids a chance to be the center of attention in a room full of thousands of people while feeling nothing but support. The experience is not only special for the children with cancer, but is equally as meaningful to the siblings.

Throughout my years attending THON, I have met so many amazing people who have inspired me and continue to be a part of my life today. THON is an event that I look forward to every year, and some of my best memories have been made there.

THON is easily the most influential experience that I have ever had. Although it is difficult to turn such a negative situation into something positive, the outcome of my brother's treatment has given me so much. It has given me life-long friendships through the people I've met, the fulfillment of working to raise money towards such an important cause, and inspired me to make a difference in any way possible, by advocating for pediatric cancer research, and becoming a nurse. I am grateful to be an executive in our Altoona Benefitting THON organization, and my goal is to dance in THON, which would be a once-in-a-lifetime full-circle experience for me.