Meet the Team – THON Store

Meet The Team

Courtney Proulx

4^th Year Student
Position: Merchandise Director

"I continue to THON not only to be part of such an inspiring community, but also for families past, present, and future who battle with complete strength and courage. I THON so that no family feels alone in their fight."

Connor Grauel

2^nd Year Student
Captain Position: Customer Relations

"I THON to experience the emotional buildup and preparation to THON Weekend, where I can watch the beautiful impact our work has made in one, show-stopping 'performance.'"

Lyndsay Surkosky

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Photography/Graphic Design

"I THON so that parents never have to hear the words "your child has cancer" and in hopes that one day we will dance in celebration instead of for a cure. For more smiles and so that kids can be kids again."

Emily Messerle

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Social Media Coordinator

"I THON so that no family is alone in the fight against childhood cancer. I THON to honor and fight for those who can’t. I THON to spread love, hope, and strength."

Reese Butler

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Special Event Sales

"I THON for the children and families I have worked with at home and have supported throughout their cancer journeys. I have seen how a childhood cancer diagnosis affects a family, and I continue to THON so no family has to face those challenges alone. The work we do in THON has a global impact. I know that not only are we supporting the Four Diamonds families, we are also supporting the children I work with at home, and children all around the world. "

Macy Leitzel

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Special Event Sales

"I THON so children and their families can spend more time smiling and laughing together. I support THON’s mission, so one day we can all dance in celebration of a cure. "

Niamh Keegan

2^nd Year Student
Captain Position: Distribution

"I THON because no family deserves to hear the words "your child has cancer". Being able to meet these families and hear their stories first hand through THON has been extremely impactful and something I will never forget. Every child deserves the chance to grow up and celebrate more milestones!"

Gemma Longo

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Distribution

"I THON for a future filled with smiles and brighter days. For more precious moments and milestones with the ones we love. So that one day, we are dancing in celebration of a cure. Above all, I THON for the kids. "

Hannah Bausher

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Inventory - Back of Store

"I THON to empower and support families in hopes that one day no parent will ever have to hear the words “your child has cancer." I THON for the powerful community that continues to inspire and motivate me every single day. I THON for more futures, more smiles, more laughs. Together we stand in unity for a brighter tomorrow."

Jacob Carter

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Inventory - Back of Store

"I THON so one day we dance in celebration. No family and no child is ever alone in their fight and they can feel the love and support of the students of Penn State. I THON so that the world has more bright smiles in it. "

Jordyn Sanders

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Product Design

"I THON for a better tomorrow and to create lifelong connections between families, students, alumni, and volunteers so one day we can all dance in celebration"

Juliet Berzins

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Product Design

"I THON for more birthdays, more smiles, and the countless memories that have yet to be made. I have witnessed the difference THON can bring to the lives of families, and I am committed to continuing this incredible work. It’s truly inspiring to stand by these families, helping to ensure they never face a medical bill. I THON because one day, we’ll dance not just in support, but in celebration of a cure."

Lindsay Leber

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Distribution

"I THON to further our impact on critical research for a cure. I THON so that kids can just be kids. I THON for more birthdays, more smiles, and more memories."

Emma Ward

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Distribution

"I THON because I know what it's like to miss multiple days of school, field trips, seeing friends/birthday parties, etc. It sucks to watch all your friends get to grow up as kids and you having to watch from afar. I also THON for all the siblings and parents because I saw firsthand with my siblings and parents how they had to miss school or events to be able to take me to the doctors or watch me at home. I saw the internal struggle between my parents of both of them wanting to be with me but also wanting my siblings to not have to miss out on anything and keep a normal schedule. Ultimately, I THON for all kids and families to be able to live life to the fullest and experience everything. "

Haley Williams

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Licensing

"I THON because I have lost two of the people very close to me to this horrible disease. I have seen first hand how painful cancer can be and have felt how devastating it is to lose someone because of it. With that said, I THON for the kids who weren’t fortunate enough to make it to adulthood. I THON so that more kids have a chance to grow up and experience the true beauty of life. "

Riley Riether

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Administrative Assistant

"THON has had a profound and lasting impact on my life, and it will continue to do so. I THON to support children and families affected by childhood cancer, as no family should have to navigate this journey alone. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up and pursue their dreams."

Meghan Kohler

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Order Management

"I THON to support families so they can focus on their children, not medical bills. So that children and their families know they aren't alone in their fight against childhood cancer. I THON for more smiles, more birthdays, and eventually, a cure."

Rizqy Apolianto

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Order Management

"One of my friend is a THON child and she inspired me to be involved."

Alexa Cannella

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Inventory - Blue Storage

"I THON so that kids can be kids and families can get the support they need. Cancer is vicious and cruel, but through THON, we are supporting these families and children when they need it most and providing them with a source of hope."

Kevin Reasons 

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Inventory - Blue Storage

"I THON so that the kids can be kids. We all work so hard, in pursuit of a cure, to give the four diamonds kids the opportunity to enjoy their childhood."

Mike Baumgardner

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Order Management

"For everlasting smiles "

Courtney Lamelza

3^rd Year Student
Captain Position: Order Management

"I THON so that every child has the opportunity to grow up and truly enjoy their childhood. I THON to foster a weekend of hope and magic for all of the families, for more laughter, and always in pursuit of a cure. "

Vy Le

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Data Analytics & Forecasting: Finance

"I THON to see that no child, parent, family, or friend ever has to worry about cancer in their lives. I also THON to inspire everyone around me to fight for a cancer-free world."

Julia Tas

4^th Year Student
Captain Position: Data Analytics & Forecasting: Technology

"I THON for the kids and their families, so that kids can enjoy being kids and families can focus on being together. I THON to make a difference in the lives of children and families battling childhood cancer so that one day we can dance in celebration of a cure."