THON is home to an impactful community of student volunteers with diverse backgrounds, interests, and passions, all united by a common goal: to end childhood cancer. Whether working on Operations, Rules and Regulations, Finance, Public Relations, or any other committee, these students enthusiastically dedicate their time to support THON’s mission.
Their energy, positivity, and commitment embody the spirit of THON, and through this volunteer spotlight, we’re excited to highlight the experiences and efforts they make For The Kids®.
“As a THON volunteer, being able to support the fight against childhood cancer is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling experience. Over the past two years I’ve had the opportunity to be on Rules and Regulations as a committee member. This position has allowed me to provide safe and efficient travel throughout the BJC during THON weekend while experiencing the THON community in full effect. This year I am an Event Safety Captain on R&R and my position is the Security Second-in-Command Liaison. My role is to educate Second-in-Command volunteers with extra meetings, lessons, quizzes, and guidance to support our security efforts during THON weekend.” – Evan Reigner
“Being a THON volunteer is truly an experience like no other, especially on OPPerations. OPP’s overall job is to set up and tear down all pre-THON events and THON weekend itself. OPP maintains the cleanliness of each event as well. Last year I was a Logistics captain. My position handled all things mats! My responsibilities included leading two mat cleaning at the beginning of the year, and managing the mat layouts for Family Carnival and THON weekend. OPP embodies perfectly its motto of being a ‘Big Blue Family’, and I am grateful my THON experience has allowed me to be a part of it over the last 3 years!” – Haley Drossner
“Becoming a THON Volunteer has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to Penn State! I started as a committee member with OPP for two years before having the privilege of serving as a Finance Captain both last year and for THON 2026. As a Finance Captain, I’ve been able to experience such a unique side of THON, helping count and process the monetary donations that make part of the THON total possible. I am so grateful for all the opportunities and amazing people I’ve met through my experience as a THON Volunteer, and I can’t wait to see more individuals get involved in the Fall!” – Alex Masucci
“Being a THON volunteer has been one of my favorite experiences while being at Penn State. It is nothing short of a blessing. I have been on Dancer Relations the past 2 years where I have been able to help dancers make it through the 46 hours of no sitting and no sleeping. Being a volunteer has helped me meet so many new people on campus and within the THON community. Learning about and meeting the THON families is something that is so special and seeing the smiles on the kids faces THON weekend never fail to feel me with joy. THON is a constant reminder for me to be grateful and do my best everyday. Watching kids not be able to be kids because of this horrible illness breaks my heart, so if I can be a part in trying to fix that then I want to do all that I can. I would encourage every student at Penn State to be involved in THON to experience something that is truly life changing.” – Corey Sigmund
“Being a THON volunteer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college journey. As a PR Captain, I’ve had the opportunity to share THON’s mission with people both within the Penn State community and beyond, showing the impact we can make For The Kids®. Last year, as the Show and Media Entrance Captain, I coordinated press logistics during THON Weekend and helped ensure media could capture the magic of the event while protecting dancer and family experiences. This year, as the Media Outreach Captain, I’ve continued building relationships with local and national outlets, working to broaden THON’s reach and inspire more people to join the fight against childhood cancer. THON is about more than just one weekend, it’s about uniting people for a cause greater than themselves, and I feel privileged to play a part in sharing that story.” – Ani Ganesan
“Being a THON volunteer has been the single most rewarding part of my college experience. I’ve found such a supportive and passionate family with my past committees, and especially with my Rules and Regulations co-captains the past two years. I started as a committee member on the Entertainment Committee and made my way over to the “Big Red Fam” where I’ve created a home for the past three years. As the Fundraising Development Coordinator this year, I oversee all of the fundraising ideas orgs and IDCs have and make sure that they’re aligned with the rules, and that they’re fundraising safely. Being part of this incredible organization has taught me so many lessons and brought me so many amazing people. I am so lucky to be part of something bigger than myself and to get to see the impact THON has on the children and families that we support.” – Hannah Workman
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
