As THON crosses its 50th anniversary, Four Diamonds officials took the Bryce Jordan Center stage Saturday afternoon to thank Penn Staters and THON supporters alike.

Before they spoke, THON played a clip of video highlights from THON’s history. The package shed some light on THON’s past while dramatizing how far the organization has come since it began in 1973.

Suzanne Graney, Four Diamonds’ executive director, was expectedly enthusiastic when she spoke about her love of THON in front of the BJC crowd.

“My heart is overflowing with happiness to be here with you today,” Graney said. “It is momentous and it is incredible what has been accomplished.”

Dr. Yatin Vyaz, chair of pediatrics at Penn State Health Children’s hospital, joined Graney on stage in awe of his first-ever trip to THON. He joined Penn State’s staff this year and is already seeing the effects of THON throughout his health network.

“What is not natural happened half a century ago at this Penn State University…You partnered with these children. You stood up to cancer,” Vyaz said.

Together, the two representatives promised to continue their commitments to THON for many years to come.

“We stand here ready to pledge our continued work together,” said Graney. “On behalf of Four Diamonds, Penn State Children’s Hospital, and the College of Medicine, we plan to continue to work with THON to find the day where we dance in celebration.”