This school year, I was lucky enough to serve on the management team for HuskyTHON, UConn’s largest fundraising organization. HuskyTHON is a close-knit community of students who raise awareness and funds for Connecticut Children’s, a free-standing hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. This year-long effort that includes events and fundraising push days culminates in an 18-hour dance marathon during the spring semester. When I went to my first HuskyTHON in 2023, I remember seeing the people on stage wearing their polos and blue jeans. I thought to myself, I want to be one of those people one day! I was fortunate to make that a reality this year when I served as the Director of Hospitality for HuskyTHON 2025. My successes and growth can be attributed to the mentors and friends who were on the HuskyTHON 2025 Steering Board. Composed of one executive director and five vice presidents, the HuskyTHON Steering Board oversees the management team and their initiatives and helps make the fundraiser a huge success. As a thank you for their hard work this year, I sought to interview each steering board member to learn more about their personal experience with HuskyTHON. I call this series: Steering to Success.
Courtney Balerna: Vice President of External Relations For HuskyTHON 2025
Courtney Balerna, a senior nursing major, served as the Vice President of External Relations for HuskyTHON 2025. She strives to make HuskyTHON an inviting community where everyone can find their place.
Courtney’s journey in HuskyTHON started when she saw HuskyTHON at the involvement fair. Like many freshmen, she was looking for an organization that would help her meet new people and dive deeper into her passions. After the involvement fair, she went to HuskyTHON’s info session and found HuskyTHON Rising Leaders (HRLS). HuskyTHON Rising Leaders is a program open to new dancers in the HuskyTHON community to learn more about HuskyTHON, make friends in the organization, and start your fundraising journey. She joined HRLs during her freshman year, and the rest is history. During her sophomore year, Courtney became even more involved and served as a Dancer Representative, HRL Captain, and Morale Captain, which gave her endless experience in the HuskyTHON world. This experience led her to apply to the management team for her junior year, where she served as the Director of HuskyTHON Rising Leaders!
This 2024-2025 school year, Courtney joined the HuskyTHON 2025 Steering Board as the Vice President of External Relations for HuskyTHON 2025. Her responsibilities were to oversee the Co-Directors of JonaTHONs, the Co-Director of Hospital Relations, and the Director of Alumni Relations. She has made sure their goals and aspirations are prioritized and helps them succeed in their roles on the management team.
From the time she was little, Courtney knew that she wanted to be a NICU nurse just like her mom. After HuskyTHON 2025, Courtney will graduate with her nursing degree and take the NCLEX during the summer. She hopes to work in a NICU in Boston and continue helping the lives of those who need it most. Courtney will leave an amazing impact on the HuskyTHON community and will continue to do amazing things as the HuskyTHON spirit will be with her forever.
This year, HuskyTHON was able to raise $2.1 million for Connecticut Children’s, something that was a direct reflection of the hard work Courtney put in. As someone who got to know Courtney this year, she has always been extremely kind and welcoming to me and others. I knew that she was a friendly person, but she slowly became someone I aspire to be like. Courtney, you are extremely passionate and driven. Never lose your amazing spirit or your will to help others who need it most.
Interested in making a difference? Join HuskyTHON!
Every HuskyTHON participant found HuskyTHON in a different way, and maybe this article is yours. Though HuskyTHON 2025 has come to an end, HuskyTHON 2026 is slowly approaching. If you’re interested in learning more about HuskyTHON and participating here at UConn, feel free to check out our website and follow our Instagram account @huskython to experience some of the HuskyTHON magic. Participants will be able to register in June of 2025 for our next dance marathon, so gear up for another year of fundraising with some of the most inspiring, dedicated people on campus.