Memorial Contributions

If you have lost a loved one from cancer, a wonderful way to honor their memory is to make a memorial contribution to Chemo Buddies.

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As you know, enduring chemo is one of the toughest battles one can face. Your contribution enables us to come alongside those still in the fight and support them. 100% of your contributions will be used locally to support those still in the fight. We do not receive funding from the locations where we serve, but are a community led movement to help others going through the journey we have been through. All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3 charity.


If you are making funeral arrangements and wish to make Chemo Buddies your charity of choice, we are happy to provide all donors with personalized thank you notes and provide you with the information of all donations received. For more information, contact us at info@chemobuddies.org

Tommy Zuzzio

Thomas A. Zuzzio, 79, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family and a life well lived.

Tom was born on October 4, 1946, in Parsons, Kansas, to Anthony J. “Tony” and Eileen M. (Roskob) Zuzzio. From the very beginning, Tom’s life was shaped by strong family bonds, hard work, and a deep love of community—values he carried with him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Toni Michelle Zuzzio, and his grandson Theodore Rhoades.

A 1964 graduate of Chetopa High School, Tom was a true all-around athlete, participating in football, track, basketball, and baseball. Sports were not just a pastime for him—they were a way to connect, to teach, and to lead. He continued playing basketball at Parsons Junior College before completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Pittsburgh State University. On April 4, 1968, Tom joined the Army Reserve, beginning a lifelong example of service and dedication.

On July 6, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Mary Vanmiddlesworth. Together, they built a marriage rooted in commitment, laughter, and family, spanning over 57 years and countless memories.

Tom’s professional life reflected his strong leadership, integrity, and work ethic. His career with B.F. Goodrich moved the family to many places—Miami, Oklahoma; Salem, Indiana; Marietta, Ohio; St. Charles, Illinois; and Bloomington, Indiana—where he held roles ranging from Industrial Engineer to Plant Manager. His ability to lead with both confidence and care earned him the respect of colleagues wherever he went.

He later joined Carlisle Syntec , serving as Plant Manager in Greenville, Illinois, before being promoted to Vice President of Operations in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Tom retired in 1999, but retirement didn’t slow him down. He continued consulting for several companies, ending his professional journey at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Eventually, Tom and Mary settled in Santa Claus, Indiana, where he fully embraced retirement.

Tom was an active member of the Catholic Church, the Corvette Club, and the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. A lifelong car enthusiast, he loved his own personal cars almost as much as he loved a good joke—and he always had one ready. Above all, Tom cherished time with his family. He especially loved fishing and patiently teaching his grandchildren how to cast a line, coaching his children, golfing, boating, playing cards, camping, traveling, watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, and volunteering in the community. He was also an avid investor, always involved with the stock market and engaged with the world around him while sharing what he learned with family and friends.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Zuzzio; his children, Stephanie (Kevin) Scheffel of Edwardsville, IL, Zachary (Michelle) Zuzzio of Lake in the Hills, IL, Charles (Sunshine) Zuzzio of Indianola, WA, Anthony (Carri) Zuzzio of Brownsburg, IN, Jaclyn (Matthew) Rhoades of Denver, PA, and Kirstin Zuzzio (Joshua Zarnoth) of Brownsburg, IN; his siblings, Nancy (Mike) Hahn of Bartlett, KS, Cindy (Russell) Briggs of Derby, KS, and Ted (Karen) Zuzzio of Baldwin, KS; and his 14 grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy: Tree Zuzzio, Riley Scheffel, Zoe Zuzzio, A.J. Scheffel, Reagan Scheffel, Zachary Zuzzio, Jr., Matlyn Rhoades, Penelope Zuzzio, Mary Ann Rhoades, Jacob Zuzzio, Benjamin Zuzzio, Oliver Zuzzio, Austyn Rhoades, and Anthony Zuzzio.
Karen Wilhite Williams
Karen is the inspiration behind Chemo Buddies.
Karen Rene Wilhite Williams, 53, of Evansville, passed away Monday, July 25, 2011 at her home. Karen’s main passion in life were her children, Jeremy and Danielle. They have been a strong family of love and care. She has been a source of strength and a light to many friends and people as she battled her disease with determination, and grace.

Her message to those who knew her was the peace she felt with God and that she was embraced in his love and felt no fear.

Karen was an account manager for 15 years for South Central Media (WIKY). She was a graduate of the University of Evansville with a degree in Marketing. She was involved with “Water for People” for several years to raise funds to supply clean water for countries in need.

Karen is the inspiration for the Chemo Buddies program. She always had friends and family with her during chemo and her heart broke for others who were in chemo and seemed to have no one. As she looked around the chemo room, she said, “We’ve got to do something, no one should ever have to go through chemo alone.” Together with her sister, she co-wrote the proposal for what is now Chemo Buddies, while sitting in the treatment room getting her chemo. Her caring and nurturing spirit lives on through the volunteers who now serve.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Danielle Williams of Evansville and her son, Jeremy Jones of Tampa, Florida. Also surviving are her parents, Vernie and Jerry Wilhite and (sister) Jill and Johnny Kincaid of Evansville.