Student-Athlete Couple Release Merch for Change

Loyola athletes and graduate students Sitori Tanin of women’s basketball and Parker Van Buren of men’s volleyball recently released a new Name, Image and Likeness merchandise line, which donates all proceeds to Crohn’s disease research.

The recently engaged couple was initially planning on creating a fundraiser for a different organization, but their plans changed in October 2022 when Tanin’s family found out her brother, Elliot, had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. 

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which results in swelling of the digestive tract, and can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, severe diarrhea and malnutrition, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

More than half a million Americans are affected by Crohn’s disease, with it becoming more common in people aged between 20 and 29-years-old, according to the National Institute of Health.

When Tanin’s brother was diagnosed, his life and the lives of those closest to him changed dramatically. 

“He lost 40 pounds, and it was hard to find a medicine that was really going to work for him,” Tanin said. “The next year was really rough just because he kept trying to find medicines, but obviously we were supporting him as a family.” 

Since the merch line was announced Sept. 5, its proceeds have gone toward the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, which is “dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by the diseases,” according to the organization’s website. 

Tanin and Van Buren have their own separate merch for the launch, but also co-manage a third line of merchandise which highlight the two together. Their Campus Ink representative — the person who designed the merchandise — recommended the two lines so their fans and families could support each of  them individually, according to Van Buren. 

Van Buren said they knew they wanted the design to feature actions of strength, so his line has a drawing of him yelling, while Tanin’s has a picture of her “popping” a ball. The design also features their signatures laying vertically.  

Their combined merchandise features a collage-like design with on-court photos, adorned with signatures, jersey numbers and headshots. 

The two had already made the decision on the visions of the merchandise before engaging with NIL representatives. The pair were sent mock-ups by Campus Ink and only needed to make a few tweaks before they were happy with the design, Tannin said.

The goal was achieving a vintage look with the shirts, according to Tanin.

Tanin and Van Buren have had several experiences with NIL before the collaboration, including when the couple visited the NIL Summit in Atlanta in 2023. During their weekend, they were exposed to many different brands. Tanin said what stood out to them the most were the athletes speaking on panels about finding ways to give back to their communities.

She said Van Buren and her had the idea to start their own fundraiser during that weekend. One of the brands present at the summit was the NIL store, so Van Buren and Tanin brought their idea to them and quickly got started with the process. 

The Campus Ink representative they spoke with at the summit was a former volleyball player, making it easy for Van Buren to connect with him and the company. Van Buren and Tanin were told the company would take care of everything and the only thing the couple needed to provide were the photos and do the promotion online. 

Tanin said since NIL was established during their first-year, they’ve been able to grow with the publicity brand. Knowing they can give back with their merch continues to give Tanin nothing but gratitude for NIL. 

Elliot is now 28-years-old and has been able to manage his Crohn’s since his initial diagnosis. According to Tanin, her brother was able to find a working medicine and he continues to do well. 

Van Buren and Tanin have been together for six years and have known each other for even longer, so he’s familiar with her family and her brother’s challenges and journey since his first diagnosis.

Van Buren touched on being a part of this fundraiser and being able to support the Tanin family. 

“I mean soon he’ll be one of my brothers,” Van Buren said. “I kind of already feel that way. It just feels natural, I think, as it probably does to Sitori.” 

Van Buren said he not only likes being able to support Elliot, but also the many Americans who share Elliot’s experience. 

Van Buren said the commonality of the disease makes it seem like once you know one person with it, you feel like everyone else around you does too. Being able to support all those who’ve been affected or will be affected by this disease is something he is extremely grateful for. 

Tanin and Van Buren are very grateful for all the support and feedback they have gotten so far from old friends, alumni and teammates. Since the launch, the two have raised $132 dollars for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.  

“I have been very surprised and we just feel blessed with how many people are willing to give,” Van Buren said. 
The launch is live for all who wish to support Tanin and Van Buren and their cause. The merch can be found on the NIL Loyola website.