The Zach Attack

 Sometimes you meet a person who is so extraordinary that they leave a lasting impression on everyone they meet.  Zachary Tebb is just that sort of person. He was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 2 1/2 yet he lives his life believing that he is a very lucky person because many people are affected with illnesses much worse than his.  He is always positive, a champion for bullied kids at school, a lover of animals, has an unquenchable need for knowledge on any subject, a huge love of socializing and people in general and is such an old and wise soul.  He is so much more than a 16 year old kid with really bad failing muscles.  He is silly, tough, generous, hilarious, brave, caring, sweet, kind, adventurous and independent. Did I mention handsome :) 


As his degenerative disease progresses, his needs have begun to increase.  Last year his mom and dad completely remodeled his bathroom to make it handicap accessible for Zach.  Since Zach can't walk or help transfer himself anymore, they also added a ceiling lift system above his bed that transports him to and from his bedroom to the shower and toilet.  To top things off, his old handicap accessible van finally gave up the ghost so the family purchased a new handicap accessible van for Zach.  All of these expenses are taking their toll on the family. None of these expenses were covered by insurance. I am here to raise money behalf of Mike and Joanne Tebb.

This year has brought on many new and expensive needs for Zach and his family.   On June 1st Zach underwent a 12 hour surgery to have his spine fused from top to bottom due to severe scoliosis brought on by the Muscular Dystrophy. The affects of the surgery have been positive and Zach has grown 3" in height and his shoulders have gotten considerable broader. Unfortunately, he has outgrown his old, used power chair. The replacement cost of a new chair was $58,000.  Blue Shield has denied many features that his old chair had like the standing feature and the adjustable seating system, which the Tebbs paid for themselves.

The surgery has also left Zach without the ability to lift his arms. He only has limited use in his elbows, wrists and hands. He used to be able to feed himself, write, draw, brush his teeth and use the computer by contorting his shoulders and body in ways that made up for the lack of strength in his arms. Since the surgery, he struggles to do some of these things, but can’t do others, because his spine is fused. He can only bend at the waist with assistance. Since he is such an independent kid, this new obstacle is upsetting. The solution to this problem is a mechanical arm that attaches to the power chair and allows Zach to feed himself (and his dog Sammy), drink a glass of water, pick up items that he needs and open a door - basically do things that we all take for granted. The cost of the arm is over to $50,000 and is not covered by insurance.

We have started this Go Fund Me page in hopes of helping Zach's family give Zach the independence and freedom he deserves.  The Tebb family is very grateful for the love and support they have received from family, friends and the community as Zach recovers from his surgery this summer.  Let's help Zach get a mechanical arm that will allow him to keep his independence and amazing outlook on life!!

If you would like more information about Zach's cool new arm: 
http://www.medifab.com.au/products/arm-supports-feeding/jaco-robotic-arm-system

Here is an amazing story about another young girl who has been given the freedom with the Robotic arm:  http://www.abilities.com/community/buzz/64b-jaco.html