This year the Youth Programming Department has the pleasure of hosting the Kid’s Area at The Conquer Run! The Conquer Run benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, providing direct support for children with cancer and supporting research to ultimately find a cure for cancer. On Saturday, October 3rd runners, families, and friends will unite for The Conquer Run 5k & Fun Walk.
Each year, Four Diamonds selects a Conquer Run Hero who embodies the four critical attributes of beating cancer: Courage, Strength, Honesty and Wisdom. Our Conquer Run Hero for 2015 is Miss Lydia Hess. She is a 3 year old little girl whose love for her family, her joy for life, and her determination to beat cancer are shown through those four core attributes.
Courage
Four Diamonds gave Lydia COURAGE through Child Life and Music Therapy support staff. In 2014, Lydia spent 89 nights in the hospital, and she has had her port accessed in clinic over 50 times. During painful days in the hospital or before scary procedures, therapists used special techniques to help her feel safe and to be brave.
Strength
Four Diamonds gave The Hess Family STRENGTH through generous financial support. Every medical bill, co-pay, and prescription was completely paid in full. By removing the financial burden, the family was able to focus on Lydia.
Honesty
Four Diamonds gave Lydia HONESTY through ongoing research. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has an 85% cure rate, but with a plethora of short-term and long-term side effects. When Lydia experienced life-threatening complications from the chemo, it became clear that research is needed to provide safer treatments with higher success rates.
Wisdom
Four Diamonds gave The Hess Family WISDOM through the quality care from top-notch doctors and nurses. From the day of diagnosis in April 2014, and through every hospital stay or clinic visit, doctors educated the family about the treatment and nurses provided guidance to give Lydia the best possible care. The family continues to rely on these experts throughout the final 12 months of treatment.
Registration for the Conquer Run is still open and runners, walkers, children and adults are all encouraged to attend. We will see you at The Conquer Run!