Cat Zyskowski (Cazzari) was introduced to the THANC Foundation in August 2011. Cat was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Although this diagnosis was frightening, Cat was comforted by the support she received from her loving family and the incredible team at THANC. Now, almost thirteen years after her diagnosis, Cat is excited to have the opportunity to participate on THANC’s Junior Board. She hopes that she will be able to help provide current THANC patients with the reassurance and compassion that she received. Cat understands the tremendous impact THANC makes firsthand.
Despite receiving her diagnosis as a teenager, she did not let cancer dissuade her from pursuing her dreams. She is a proud graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, where she studied English Education and minored in Spanish and Educational Studies. Additionally, Cat earned her Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Today, Cat has her dream job teaching English Language Arts at a middle school in Putnam County, New York. In addition to teaching, she also coaches the school’s basketball team.
While attending Siena, Cat met her husband, Zack. The two got married on campus in July 2022. Together, they have a cat named Jeb and a puppy named Baxter. Additionally, Cat is fortunate to come from a close-knit family. She admires both of her parents and strives to be as strong, generous, and loving as they are. She also loves spending time with her four younger siblings.
