About Us
From the Heart of the Game to the Heart of Chang
Meet Stephen Dziadik
Meet Stephen Dziadik MHS, PA-C, a man whose story is as resilient and multifaceted as the missions he leads. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, Stephen was surrounded by a sense of community and purpose, values that guided him to serve in the United States Air Force. It was there he developed the discipline and resolve that would define his life.
Contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome on Easter Sunday, 1990, Stephen pursued a career in medicine after a fastidious recovery, becoming a cardiac surgical physician assistant. The operating room was a place of precision, skill, and unwavering dedication—qualities Stephen embodied.
In 2015, Stephen moved to Tarpon Springs, FL, and continued his medical career. In 2021 however, life had a challenge in store: Covid vaccine induced Poly-arthritis. The diagnosis meant stepping back from the demanding field of heart and lung surgery. Yet, Stephens mission to help others did not waver. Instead, it evolved. He turned to one of his lifelong passions: coaching youth sports.
For over 20 years, he coached baseball, softball, soccer, and football, seeing firsthand the struggles new players and volunteer coaches faced. This inspired the current development of Hippos in Training or H.i.T., an initiative designed to bridge the gap for those just beginning their journey in youth sports as well as emphasizing sportsmanship over spectatorship.
The Heart of H.i.T Hippos and Happiness:
Stephen understood that learning the game should be more than drills and instructions—it should be joyful, impactful, and empowering. Drawing inspiration from his son’s beloved plush toy, Hippoey, and the essential role of the “hips” in sports mechanics, he chose the hippo as the mascot for H.i.T. The hippo symbolizes strength and power, teaching young players that true capability comes from a strong foundation—much like the game of baseball itself.
“Hips are where it all starts,” Stephen would say. “In sports and in life, your foundation matters.”
For over 20 years, he coached baseball, softball, soccer, and football, seeing firsthand the struggles new players and volunteer coaches faced. This inspired the current development of Hippos in Training or H.i.T., an initiative designed to bridge the gap for those just beginning their journey in youth sports as well as emphasizing sportsmanship over spectatorship.
The Heart of H.i.T Hippos and Happiness:
Stephen understood that learning the game should be more than drills and instructions—it should be joyful, impactful, and empowering. Drawing inspiration from his son’s beloved plush toy, Hippoey, and the essential role of the “hips” in sports mechanics, he chose the hippo as the mascot for H.i.T. The hippo symbolizes strength and power, teaching young players that true capability comes from a strong foundation—much like the game of baseball itself.
“Hips are where it all starts,” Stephen would say. “In sports and in life, your foundation matters.”
A Call to Action
Conservation with a Purpose
While his work with H.i.T. flourished, another calling took shape. Stephen’s passion for conservation ignited during a trip to Colombia, where he witnessed the ecological crisis caused by the invasive hippos left behind by Pablo Escobar. These “Cocaine Hippos” were multiplying rapidly, threatening local ecosystems and communities. To Stephen, the hippos were not just a problem; they were a cause worth fighting for.
This led to the birth of BloodSweaT™—a brand inspired by the unique properties of the hippo’s “blood sweat,” which acts as a natural bug repellent, antibiotic, antiseptic, lotion, and sunscreen. The brand’s mission was twofold: to fund the humane relocation of these hippos and to support youth development through sports. Proceeds from the innovative apparel line would contribute directly to these initiatives, combining fashion with philanthropy and purpose.
A Fight for Justice
The Story of Stun Cuffs
On Nov 20, 2023 Stephen’s journey also took an unexpected and painful turn. During his advocacy work, the day of his press release on Pablo’s Hippos, he experienced a significant personal injustice: the abusive misuse of stun cuffs caused bilateral complete sensory nerve damage to his hands. This violation was more than an injury; it was a moment that reignited his resolve to fight not just for animals and youth but for justice itself.
“Experiencing the misuse of Stun Cuffs firsthand was not just painful—it was a wake-up call,” Stephen shares. “It showed me that there are people and stories that go unheard and unseen, and I couldn’t let mine be one of them.”
Stephen turned his pain into action, advocating against the cruel and unconstitutional use of such devices. This became part of BloodSweaT™’s broader mission to challenge injustices, support those who are vulnerable, and champion human dignity.
Our strategies
Mutualism at the Core
Stephen’s philosophy of mutualism—where each action benefits everyone involved—became the foundation of BloodSweaT™. From empowering new coaches and athletes to aiding in the relocation of hippos and advocating for justice, Stephen’s interconnected approach proves that one person’s story, fueled by resilience and compassion, can create waves of change.
Today, BloodSweaT™ is more than a brand; it is a movement. It embodies the belief that helping others, protecting wildlife, and fighting for what’s right can coexist and build a legacy of hope. Stephen’s journey is a testament to the idea that there is no crying in baseball, only BloodSweaT™—passion, purpose, and perseverance.
Our Core Values
Mutualism, compassion, and innovation are at the heart of BloodSweaT™. We believe in a world where helping others and protecting the planet are integral parts of our journey.
Why We Do What We Do
Our organization was formed with Children, Animals, and the Planet in mind. With the hippo as our mascot, we draw inspiration from its strength and mystical ‘blood sweat’ to power our mission. From our conservation efforts in Colombia to our grassroots baseball and softball coaching programs, we strive to make learning fun and impactful.”