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Todd is
Blood Cancer United

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

This cause is dear to me because my grandmother, Anne Zavorskas, passed away several years ago from Hodgkin’s disease—a form of leukemia. Also, many years ago, my mentor’s son, Ryan Hurley, had a recurrence of leukemia, which he was first diagnosed with at the age of three. He died at the age of 19. Unfortunately, leukemia at the time caused more deaths than any other cancer in children under the age of 20. These instances led me to my desire to donate time and money to this particular charity. I have volunteered my time and fundraising expertise ever since.

For the past 27 years, I have raised over $246,000 to help eradicate blood cancer. All of my hard work and dedication to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s CTWHV Chapter has earned me their 2000 prestigious "Unsung Hero" Award as well as the 2005 Mid-Fairfield County American Red Cross "Unsung Hero" award for my charitable work, both of which I deeply appreciate. I also received the 2016 Campaign Innovation Award from LLS for incorporating geekdom into my Man of the Year Campaign successfully. These recognitions are humbling, and I appreciate the recognition of years of hard work and charitable giving.

Today, I am a 2022 Greater CT Honorary Man of the Year Candidate for LLS. I am now less than 4K away from the Lifetime Goal of $250,000 raised for LLS over the years in Grammy Z’s honor.  Grammy was a constant growing up the son of a now-retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. She would travel the globe to make annual trips to visit my family wherever we were stationed—including Athens, Greece. I know she is still with me and will be smiling down on me when Team Zombie Leader hits our mark.  

Todd

Volunteer

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
James, volunteer and survivor, pictured with group of friends

James

Volunteer and survivor

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Lynette

Volunteer

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Deanna

ALL Survivor

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A group of children and an adult stand together inside a large, illuminated droplet‑shaped display surrounded by handwritten messages of support. A sign below reads “Blood Cancer United,” with a QR code lit underneath. The colorful, hopeful scene reflects community solidarity and awareness for blood cancer.

Bruce

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person sits in a treatment chair wearing a black shirt that reads “DONE” with a purple heart ribbon, holding a small dog pillow while connected to medical equipment. The clinical setting and triumphant message on the shirt create a powerful moment that can accompany stories related to blood cancer, resilience, and completing treatment milestones.

Jessica

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A shirtless runner wearing black shorts and a race bib strides forward on a city street during a race event. Other runners and bright murals appear in the background, creating an energetic atmosphere. The image could accompany a story or campaign supporting blood cancer awareness, highlighting strength, resilience, and community involvement.

Luke

leukemia

Young adult blood cancer survivor, Olivia, with her hands in the air celebrating

Olivia

Stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family visiting a loved one during blood cancer treatment in a hospital room. A patient rests in a hospital bed surrounded by family members wearing protective masks, with medical equipment visible nearby. This powerful image highlights the impact of blood cancer on families, the importance of caregiver support, and the realities of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer treatments during hospitalization.

Brandon

Family member and supporter

Alec wearing a blue shirt with survivor printed on it, a cancer survivor

Alec

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)

Audience members gather in a small performance venue as a speaker shares a personal story on stage under purple lighting. The event highlights the power of storytelling, blood cancer awareness, survivorship, and community connection for people affected by blood cancer. People seated in an intimate theater setting watch a performer speak on stage beneath purple and blue lights. The image represents blood cancer storytelling, advocacy, and the sharing of lived experiences that help others feel seen and supported. A storyteller performs before a live audience in a cozy venue illuminated with purple stage lighting. The event showcases personal stories about blood cancer, resilience, and the healing impact of community and shared experiences.

Adam

leukemia

Two people pose together at a formal gala in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring The Driskell Prize and HIGH logos. One person wears a light blue floor-length gown and holds a silver clutch, while the other wears a black tuxedo. The image highlights community leadership, philanthropy, and support for important causes, including blood cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.

Yvonne

multiple myeloma (MM)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.