“My wife and I are so unbelievably grateful for the things Four Diamonds does. We are just so thankful for everything.” – Rob, Four Diamonds dad to Penelope
A Pediatric Physician’s Worst Fear
During the 2023-24 school year, Four Diamonds child Penelope was a typical first grader. She loved Broadway musicals and enjoyed taking piano and dance lessons in her free time.
Towards the end of the school year, Penelope began noticeably losing weight and experiencing fevers intermittently. These symptoms worried Penelope’s dad, Rob, a pediatric physician at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. He and his wife, Corinne, took Penelope for bloodwork, and the tests revealed their worst fear: Penelope had leukemia. She was officially diagnosed in May 2024.
A Community of Care
Rob and Corinne moved to the Hershey area so Rob could attend medical school, but they always viewed the move as temporary. After graduating, Rob applied for positions at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and was offered a job, so they decided to stay.
While working at the hospital, Rob became familiar with Four Diamonds, but he never expected he and his family would be on the receiving end of the care and support they provide. There are so many uncertainties that come with caring for a child with cancer, but for Rob and Corinne, one thing is for sure – thanks to Four Diamonds, they know they'll never face anything alone.
“As a parent, you don’t ever expect to go through what we’re going through. It’s just an impossible situation,” Rob said. “I can’t imagine experiencing all of this and then having to figure out how we’re going to pay for our daughter’s medical care. We’re so grateful Four Diamonds is taking care of that.”
Rob and Corinne have experienced many different emotions throughout Penelope’s treatment, but they have received endless support from the entire Four Diamonds community involved in Penelope’s care. They are so grateful for the community they have found at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
A Community of Support
Penelope is currently in active treatment and spends countless hours at the hospital each month. Penelope’s favorite “person” to see during her visits is Baron, one of the facility dogs at the hospital, and his handler Devon, a child life specialist. Four Diamonds helps fund both the child life and facility dog programs, making these joyous visits possible for Penelope.
Penelope also looks forward to her music therapy sessions. She has always had an interest in music and misses her piano and dance classes, so music therapy helps fill that void for her. Four Diamonds pediatric music therapists aim to reduce Penelope’s stress, helping her cope with pain and improve her mood during treatment through fun, interactive music experiences.
“My wife and I are so unbelievably grateful for the things Four Diamonds does. We are just so thankful for everything,” said Rob. “There’s no way we’d be able to navigate this journey without the endless support from this community.”
To learn more about how Four Diamonds helps families like Penelope's while facing childhood cancer, click here.