Charles Millard took the stage friday night to discuss what it is like to watch his 37th THON, 42 years after creating the Four Diamonds Fund in honor of his late son Christopher Millard. He stood along side Four Diamonds Fund Director Suzanne Graney and his daughter Stacia Bird.

“To watch you grow and become the largest student-run philanthropy in the world has been an overwhelming experience for my wife, Irma, and me.” said Millard. “The Four Diamonds celebrated its 42nd anniversary, and you people make it capable of doing what it does big time.”

Charles also disclosed that he suffered a stroke in September, but he still managed to make it to THON from his home state of Washington.

“Hundreds of families thank you, and especially the Millard family thanks you,” said Millard.