READING, Pa. — Sherrin Smith of Hughesville, Maryland, was among the more than 100 Alvernia University students who raised a record-breaking $11,379 to support children and families battling pediatric cancer during the Four Diamonds Mini-THON held March 22-23. The 16-hour event, organized by Alvernia’s Team For The Kids (FTK) and sponsored by the Pre-Physical Therapy Club, marked the highest fundraising total in the group’s history. Smith and her peers joined over 90,000 students nationwide in supporting the Four Diamonds Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to conquering childhood cancer.
The marathon kicked off at 7 p.m. on March 22 and ran until 11 a.m. the next day in the university’s Physical Education Center, known as the PLEX. Smith, a resident of Hughesville, participated in a packed schedule of activities. These included Zumba, bingo, pep rally games, an overnight DJ session, and tournaments like 3v3 basketball, pickleball, and dodgeball. A community hour midway through allowed students to connect over their shared mission.
Claire Campbell, a healthcare science and physical therapy major and one of the event’s leaders, praised the collective effort that Smith contributed to. “We are so extremely proud of everyone who was involved, from the leaders, students, volunteers, and businesses,” Campbell said. “This final number fundraised for our first year is so overwhelming and exciting. As us leaders built a foundation for the event, we can’t wait to see how next year excels as well.”
For Smith and her fellow participants, the Mini-THON was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of impact. Katie Nedimyer, another healthcare science and physical therapy major, underscored this sentiment. “Team FTK is so much bigger than having a fun event for students and raising money for cancer—we are commemorating and celebrating the positive impact that we are making in families all across America who are battling pediatric cancer,” she said. Smith’s involvement exemplified this spirit, bridging her Maryland roots with a national cause.
Madison Matthews, also a healthcare science and physical therapy major, spoke to the emotional weight of their efforts. “Showing support to the most vulnerable families is a way to use our resources for good,” Matthews said. “We dance today so one day we can all dance together.” Smith’s 16-hour commitment embodied this ethos, as she danced, competed, and rallied alongside her peers to make a difference.
The Four Diamonds Organization, headquartered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, has supported over 4,000 families since 1972 by covering medical costs and funding research, according to its official website. The $11,379 raised by Smith and her team will directly bolster these efforts, offering financial relief and hope to families facing pediatric cancer.
Smith’s participation reflects the values of Alvernia University, a Catholic institution founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. With campuses in Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia, Alvernia serves over 3,000 students and emphasizes service and community engagement. The Pre-Physical Therapy Club, which hosted Team FTK, aligns with these ideals, fostering leadership and resilience among students like Smith. More about Alvernia’s Franciscan mission can be explored on its website.
Hailing from Hughesville, Smith brought a piece of her community to the event, contributing to a legacy of service that she and her peers hope to expand in future Mini-THONs. The record-breaking total stands as a testament to their dedication, proving that students from small towns and big cities alike can unite for a common good.
