Ten weeks ago, this started as a fundraising campaign. By the end of the night, it felt like something much bigger.
Our
@red.cell.rebels team came in second place and raised over $100,000 for Blood Cancer United through community-driven events all across Connecticut.
Creators for a Cure.
Sips for Strength.
So many beautiful ideas built by women who simply decided to show up.
And together, the Visionaries of the Year campaign raised nearly $360,000 in just 10 weeks.
Which sounds absolutely massive… because it is.
But then we listened to patients, survivors, and families speak about treatment costs that can climb into the MILLIONS. The travel. The missed work. The childcare. The medications. The lifelong impact even after remission.
And suddenly you realize: the work is never really done.
The night left me with so much gratitude, perspective, and pride. Pride in this team. Pride in this community. Pride in the businesses, creators, families, and friends who continuously said “yes” when we asked for help.
And most of all — pride in
@autumnelmazi
For me, she is the Visionary of the Year, but being honored as United for Connecticut seems pretty on brand.
What she built through
@ctkidspassport CT Kids goes so far beyond discounts or events. She created connection. Community. Opportunity. Support systems for families trying to make memories together.
Watching her lead this campaign with heart, humor, determination, and genuine care for others was incredibly special.
I’m really grateful our paths crossed through womanhood, little ones, and passion projects — because this
@bcutd_ct_hudsonvalley campaign reminded me how powerful the community can be when good people decide to move together.
Connecticut showed up. 🤍
📸:
@photographybymels_ @deanazembrzuskiphotography
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#bloodcancerunited #203local #ctlocal #ctvenues #ctevents
