Mark S. Zatyrka

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Age: 35

Title: Director of Marketing

Company: American Homecare Federation

Location: Enfield

Hometown: West Suffield

College: Quinnipiac University

Bio

Mark Zatyrka is the director of marketing at American Homecare Federation (AHF), a national specialty infusion pharmacy helping families who are living with hemophilia and other rare diseases. This is much more than a job for Zatyrka because he was born with severe hemophilia, a lifelong bleeding disorder that attacks his joints and muscles causing intense chronic pain.

Zatyrka joined AHF in 2004 as a marketing associate. Within five years he was asked to join the board of directors and offered an opportunity to become a part-owner. Since that time AHF has seen tremendous growth without ever losing sight of the company's top priority, its patients. AHF receives a 100 percent satisfaction rating from its clients. He has upheld AHF's promise to support the communities it services. AHF has consistently been the largest pharmacy donor to organizations such as the New England Hemophilia Association and the Hemophilia Federation of America.

Zatyrka is a founder of the Connecticut Hemophilia Society. In addition, he has served on several other nonprofit boards of directors and works closely with camps serving children with chronic illnesses such as the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and One Heartland.

Q&A

Where do you get your motivation to succeed? Money is a big motivator. It is important to me that I can ensure a safe and secure future for my family. Living with multiple chronic illnesses, I know how precious life is and I know anything can happen at any time. I need to know my family will be ok.

How will you change the world? One person at a time. You have to start somewhere. Leading by example goes far. I've seen it firsthand countless times. We have all witnessed at different times how happiness, community and generosity can spread from one person to another. Our world, our country, our state, and even our local communities can always use more positive mindfulness.

What would the title of your autobiography be? 'Live Every Day Like It's Your Last' by Mark Zatyrka. In fifth grade, I was given one year to live. I was fortunate to survive, but many of my friends did not. It didn't take long for me to realize how precious life is. Every day I wake up, it's a good day. I'm thankful for every breath I'm given. You can't wait until tomorrow to do the things you love. Whether it was driving cross country to work at MTV Films in Los Angeles at the age of 18, living in New York City working for VH1 and MTV in Times Square, or buying a home and starting a beautiful family, I knew I couldn't wait until tomorrow.