Charles Millard, co-founder of the pediatric cancer charity Four Diamonds supported by Penn State’s THON, died on Thursday morning, according to Penn State Health.
Millard, 93, died from a brain injury sustained after falling hours earlier.
“Charles was humble, thoughtful, caring, and good-humored,” Suzanne Graney, executive director of Four Diamonds, said. “He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I cherish the wonderful memories I have of him. He and his family have inspired me throughout my time at Four Diamonds, and it is a privilege to continue the important work Charles and Irma began.”
Millard and his wife, Irma, co-founded Four Diamonds in 1972 following their son’s nearly three-year battle with cancer. The organization sought to help other families whose children were fighting cancer at what’s now Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
The name “Four Diamonds” originated from an essay Millard’s son, Christopher, wrote shortly before his death. In it, he told a story of a knight’s quest for four diamonds — courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength — needed to defeat an evildoer. The Millards said those characteristics were necessary to fight cancer, too.
In 1977, Four Diamonds became the beneficiary of proceeds from THON, the Penn State student-run philanthropy that culminates in a weekend-long dance marathon each year. It soon after became the sole beneficiary for every THON since. Millard regularly appeared at the Bryce Jordan Center to reaffirm his passion for fighting pediatric cancer.
“Over the years, I could never get through to people what it was like to experience THON,” Millard said after THON 2020. “We’ve got something that’s so fantastic, you can’t explain it to people. You have to see it and experience it to know what it’s all about.”
Millard typically joined THON’s press conferences to represent Four Diamonds and reflect on the annual event’s significance. He was also one to speak before the crowd and inspire dancers to keep moving forward.
Four Diamonds assists pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and their families through care, comprehensive support and research. The organization ensures no family of pediatric cancer patients at the hospital receives a bill.
According to Penn State Health, Four Diamonds has assisted more than 4,800 children and families and raised more than $250 million to combat pediatric cancer. About 70% of those funds came from THON alone.
A memorial service for Millard will be announced at a later date.
THON 2022 will kick off on Friday, February 18. For the first time in two years, it will welcome dancers, families, volunteers, and fans to the Bryce Jordan Center to celebrate in person.
StateCollege.com’s Geoff Rushton contributed to this report.
