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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.
Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family of four posing together by a waterfront during a holiday celebration, with festive clothing and seasonal accessories. The image reflects the strength of families affected by blood cancer, highlighting the support, love, and togetherness that help patients and caregivers navigate blood cancer treatment, survivorship, and everyday milestones.

Jennifer

Mother and caregiver

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing outdoors in front of a colorful mural and brick wall, wearing glasses and a navy shirt. The image highlights resilience, survivorship, and life after blood cancer treatment. It represents the experiences of people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, showcasing hope, strength, and the impact of ongoing support throughout the blood cancer journey.

Cody

large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL)

Person seated on a stage during a live storytelling or theatrical performance, surrounded by candles, props, and personal items under dramatic lighting. The image reflects the power of sharing lived experiences with blood cancer, highlighting resilience, healing, and advocacy through storytelling. This performance setting represents how blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers use their voices to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire hope within the blood cancer community.

Michael

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Blood cancer patient receiving intensive hospital care while lying in a hospital bed surrounded by medical monitoring equipment, IV medications, and respiratory support devices. The image reflects the serious challenges of blood cancer treatment, highlighting the physical impact of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It represents the strength and resilience of blood cancer patients facing complications, hospitalization, and critical stages of treatment and recovery.

Jennifer

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-bill.jpg

Bill

multiple myeloma (MM)

Jarvis, Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient

Jarvis

Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Savanna and Asher, pediatric blood cancer patient, holding a sign "Asher is a perfect match"

Savanna

pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B-ALL)

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