You might find model Tia Hrusa at Dodd Stadium, working a promotion for Yuengling Beer, greeting, socializing, and taking photos with patrons. Or you might find the Colchester native at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den venue, where she works as a server. “I have the best customers,” Hrusa says — the kind of people who send her holiday cards to let her know she is appreciated. You might find her at Thomas Chiarella’s waterfront home on Gardner Lake, doing a shoot with local photographer Marc Maksim (at right) for a vintage toy distributor. You’ll definitely find her speaking out on behalf of abused and neglected animals everywhere. She supports the efforts of Protectors of Animals, Our Companions, PETA and especially at this time of year, Presents for Paws, which collects donations of food, and other supplies for homeless pets. (www.presentsforpaws.com). And every eight weeks, you’ll find Hrusa at Middlesex Gastroenterology Associates in Middletown, where she receives a form of chemotherapy.

Hrusa lives with ulcerative colitis. The chronic disease, (an autoimmune disorder), distresses the large intestine and causes severe cramping, bleeding and other quality-of-life issues. The treatment, which is different than that used to treat cancer, helps suppress Hrusa’s immune system to prevent flare-ups. She also observes a strict diet, exercises and practices yoga. But, she stresses, attitude is everything. “I like to keep a good sense of humor about life and keep laughing when coping with my medical issue,” Hrusa says. Crucial to her well-being she says, is surrounding herself with positive, supportive people, including her mom Debbie, and her dad, Dennis, who is shown in the photos joking with Hrusa to distract her while a nurse prepares the infusion. “I’m horrible with needles,” she laughs. “I always pass out.”

Hrusa began her modeling career in New York City, where she was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for the former “Women’s Sports and Fitness” magazine. She books a wide variety of promotions and projects and can be contacted at thrusa@hotmail.com.