Shortly following the conclusion of the 53rd annual THON on Sunday, members of the THON Executive Committee and Four Diamonds executive members addressed the media in a post-THON press conference inside the Bryce Jordan Center.

THON 2025 Executive Director Keegan Sobczak and Public Relations Director Kaitlyn Wolfe were joined by Four Diamonds Executive Director Suzanne Graney and Stacia Swan Millard Bird, the sister of Christopher Millard and daughter of Four Diamonds co-founders Charles and Irma Millard. Bird, along with Sobczak, serves on the Four Diamonds Advisory Board.

Wolfe began with an opening statement that was reflective of the weekend. She expressed her gratitude and joy for the experiences she shared with the community after it raised a record-shattering $17,737,040.93.

“So just inclusive of this community, this environment throughout the weekend, representative of our stories, amplifying our mission, and being able to touch the hearts of so many. This weekend was full of love and laughter and just so much hope for a better, brighter future. And we’re so proud to be able to share these special moments and these magical memories with you all,” Wolfe said.

Millard went next, and talked about how thankful she was for the THON community. She shared a story about someone helping a person carry something onto the stage, and how good it made her feel.

“One of the things that I reflected on over and over again is how fitting this theme of Home for Hope is. Money is important to drive forward research, but the amount of love and care that goes into this weekend also provides hope. So to watch this community just embrace this in such a caring, loving way, is so beautiful to get to witness one of the things I saw today. Somebody was carrying something up to the stage, and without even hesitation, a second person came along to help that happen. That happens over and over again throughout the course of this weekend, and it’s such a beautiful example of teamwork and just dedication to making all of the details happen that lead up to such an extraordinary result. And you know, the focus on our kids and families is just so heartwarming, and that’s why we’re all here,” Millard said.

The brief press conference wrapped up similarly to how it began. Wolfe said she was left “speechless” at how well the weekend went, but stated how important everyone’s collaborative effort was in ensuring THON went smoothly.

“This weekend is so representative of just the partnership and the collaboration and how both organizations can work so collectively, wholeheartedly, and passionately together to create something so much bigger than ourselves. I just the world needs a whole lot more love and compassion and just empathy within both organizations and just from the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful for your guys’ partnership and supporting us and guiding us throughout this year, we really could not have done without you,” Wolfe said.