A New Chapter for Me and My Son My name is Zack Wannawong. If you’ve followed my story, you know this past year has been the hardest fight of my life. In April 2024, I was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive infection called necrotizing fasciitis. It took my right leg up to the hip, damaged my left leg, and nearly took my life. I spent almost 20 days in a coma, followed by multiple surgeries and a long road learning how to live again. I lost everything—physically, emotionally, and financially. I used every dollar I had, sold my transportation, and was denied most forms of assistance. There were moments I didn’t know how I would keep going. But I’m still here. And I’m still fighting. 

How I’m Doing Today Today, I feel stronger. My mind is clearer. I still have a couple more surgeries ahead, but I believe they will be my last. Healing is slow—but every day I wake up grateful to be alive. And the biggest reason I keep going… is my son, Dexter. --- From Survivor to Athlete Again: Wheelchair Tennis Tennis has always been part of my life. Some of my best memories are playing with my son when he was just three years old. After everything I went through, I found wheelchair tennis—and it gave me purpose again. Today, I’m competing in USTA wheelchair tournaments and I’m proud to say I recently won a trophy. But here’s the truth… I am still borrowing a tennis wheelchair. And that is holding me back. To truly train, compete, and protect my body, I need a custom sports wheelchair built specifically for me. This is not just equipment—this is my ability to move, compete, and reach the next level. Right now, this is my biggest need. 

Our Father–Son Mission This journey is about rebuilding our life together. This fundraiser supports: • My recovery and medical expenses • Daily living during rehabilitation • Transportation for therapy and tournaments • A custom tennis wheelchair so I can compete at my full potential • Dexter’s coaching, training, and tournament journey I want my son to see that no matter what happens in life you don’t quit. We’re building this together. One swing. One wheel. One dream at a time.  

Watch & Follow My Story

 ️ Podcast Interview: https://youtu.be/eBAlRkVEx5k?si=ca5nP_vo7lBOxoHe 

  NBC Feature: https://nbcphiladelphia.app.link/GKippPlFrRb Follow our journey: @Zackwannawong @DexterWtennis 

A Special Thank You First and foremost, I want to thank my family for standing by me through the darkest moments, for never giving up on me when I felt broken, and for giving me the strength to keep going every single day. I also want to thank the people and organizations who helped me survive and rebuild: USTA, Wheelchair Federation Foundation, Limbs for Life Foundation, Lawall Prosthetics, and Moss-Magee. You didn’t just help me recover you helped me find life again. 

Thank You for Believing in Us To everyone who has donated, shared, or supported me—thank you. I survived something that should have ended everything. Now I’m rebuilding with one goal in front of me: To get my own tennis wheelchair and take this journey to the next level. From my heart thank you for helping me and my son rise again.