Zach was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in January, 2021. At the time of his diagnosis, he already had metastases in his lungs. His left leg was amputated above the knee in April, 2021, to cut out the primary tumor. He didn’t respond well to chemotherapy, and because, as of this writing, Osteosarcoma hasn’t had any new treatments in 40 years, there weren’t any viable options to save his life.
Zach left this world on November 5, 2021, less than 10 months after he was diagnosed. During that time, we saw the best of Zach and how his light could shine on so many others.
Zach loved cars, especially supercars, great food, (lots of bad food too), fishing, nerf guns, music and video games. He loved to sing, laugh, smile, and hug. He loved to tell those he loved that he loved them, and give back to others. He loved the deck and patio at his house that was created with love and support from a community of hundreds. He loved to spend time with his dogs and ride horses. He loved and will continue to be loved by his mother, father, grandmother and grandfather and so many who know him, or have gotten to know him through this process.
Zach inspired so many people during his journey with cancer. He maintained a positive attitude and kept pushing forward each and every day. He kept his sense of humor and his smile. While Zach was taken from us all too soon, we believe the following will help any and all be better people and honor his legacy.
Zach’s 9 Rules for Life
9. If you get angry, and you will from time to time, put it behind you and get back to life. It should take about 20 minutes or so. Apologize if needed.
8. Smile, a lot. Tell jokes, good ones, bad ones, stupid ones. Laugh a lot.
7. Sing if you want to sing.
6. Tell those you love, that you love them. Hug them.
5. Stay busy doing lots of things.
4. Love and surround yourself with animals.
3. Give back to others as much as you can. Share. Volunteer.
2. Find your passions and go deep. Learn everything you can about them and then learn more.
1. Be Like Zach, and Keep Moving Forward.
In addition to honoring Zach’s legacy, it is our hope that this fund will help one child avoid what Zach went through, and one family avoid what we have and will continue to go through. Of course we want that for the 1000 families whose child is diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, but if we can make it better for just one family, we will have accomplished so much and honored Zach appropriately.
FACTOR brings together the leading researchers, clinicians, surgeons, together with patient families and OsteoWarriors to Make It Better for those battling this disease.
Each year a grant of $100,000 is awarded to a project that will focus on moving research forward for osteosarcoma patients.
Browse our extensive list of osteosarcoma resources from MIB Agents and our partner organizations.
OsteoBites is a weekly webinar and podcast where we invite Osteosarcoma Experts and OsteoWarriors to share their research, hope, and innovation.
Agent GAMERS game with their fellow OsteoWarriors and OsteoSiblings.
Ambassador Agents are certified peer visitors who provide hope, understanding, and resources.
OsteoWarriors receive monthly letters of hope and cheer from MIB Agent Writers around the world.
When an OsteoWarrior transitions to hospice care, MIB Agents provides an experience or an item of comfort and entertainment.
The OsteoWarriors HQ (headquarters) brings kids and young adults who have a connection to osteosarcoma together and It. Is. Awesome!
A world with less toxic, more effective treatments and a cure for osteosarcoma.
We are devoted to creating and instilling hope with and for our inclusive and collaborative osteosarcoma community. We do this through mutual trust, transparency and compassion.
