Name: Victoria Maseda
Year: Junior
Major: Public relations, labor employment relations, minor in business
Hometown: Newtown, PA
HC: Describe your position as a Media Relations Captain.
Victoria: As a Media Relations Captain, I am a point of contact between THON and the press. My five Media Relations co-captains and I communicate with media outlets and brainstorm new ways to increase coverage of THON and The Four Diamonds Fund. All 21 of the Public Relations Captains strive to educate those outside of the Penn State Community about the fight against pediatric cancer.
HC: What was your past involvement with THON?
Victoria: As a freshmen, I was an OPP Committee Member. Last year, I served Public Relations as a Media Relations Captain.
HC: What is your biggest PR hope for THON?
Victoria: One of my big PR hopes for THON’s future is to be featured on The Ellen Show. In the past, Ellen has brought attention to the fight against pediatric cancer, and she has many fans who are passionate about causes that share THON’s mission. Ellen also loves to dance, so I think that makes her a perfect person to show support to THON!
HC: Why do you THON?
Victoria: I THON to give the kids a chance to experience what it’s like to grow another year older. I want them to have a childhood that allows them to be excited for trips to Disney World not one full of dread for another hospital visit. Their realities are my worse nightmares. I also want our Four Diamonds Families to know they are not alone in this fight. They have a whole THON community here to support them every step of the way.
HC: What is your favorite THON memory?
Victoria: There are simply too many! However, my favorite THON 2012 memory was during set up. My co-captain was facilitating a media interview with a family. While the parents were busy speaking to the press, I kept their children busy by playing tag and hiding. To see Charlie and Max laugh and enjoy playing together as brothers was special to me. For those few moments, it was all about the two of them having a good time.
This year, THON introduced “Dance With Us!”
“Dance With Us” is a global call to action for the fight against pediatric cancer. Viewers can experience THON Weekend by tuning in via live stream at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 and participating in a special 30 second line dance. Additionally, before THON Weekend, supporters can video themselves doing this special line dance and email it to dancewithus@thon.org. Learn the dance, share your moves and “Dance With Us!“