Nick Ortiz, 64, is no stranger to danger, having served as a Bridgeport police officer for 36 years.

"I saw many battles in my day, but this battle is the toughest one I've ever faced," Ortiz said Wednesday.

The proud grandfather was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma shortly after he retired two years ago.

"It was painful to hear, and even more painful to experience, but I'm not going out that way. I'm fighting it and I'm winning," Ortiz said.

Ortiz and longtime friend Johnny Vazzano, owner of Vazzy's Restaurant, run the nonprofit Marilyn Goldstone Foundation, which they founded together.

"Nick is a great guy and the most giving man in the world -- and I'm proud to stand with him as he fights this cancer," Vazzano said.

A fundraiser in Nick's honor will take place at Vazzano's Four Seasons at 337 Kenyon St. in Stratford on Friday at 6 p.m.