A New Chapter for Me and My Son
My name is Zack Wannawong, and if you’ve followed my story, you know this past year has been the hardest fight of my life. In April 2024, a rare, aggressive infection call necrotizing fasciitis that took my right leg up to the hip, damaged the muscles in my left leg, and nearly took my life. I spent almost 20 days in a coma, followed by weeks of surgeries, pain, and the overwhelming reality of learning to live again.
Losing my leg broke me physically, emotionally, and financially. I used every dollar I had, sold my transportation, and was denied almost all government aid. I didn’t know what my future would look like. The depression, fear, and uncertainty felt endless.
But today, I’m still here. And I’m fighting to rebuild my life.
How I’m Doing Today
I want to update everyone:
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’m grateful to be alive.
And the biggest reason I’m pushing through is my son, Dexter.
From Survivor to Athlete Again: Wheelchair Tennis
Some of my best memories are playing tennis with Dexter when he was just three. Tennis has always been my second passion after cooking. I grew up playing junior tennis in Thailand, but when I moved to the U.S. at 16, I put that dream aside to pursue becoming a chef.
When I became sick, everything changed. Dexter stopped playing much. Our routine disappeared. My finances collapsed. Everything felt like it was slipping away.
Then I discovered wheelchair adaptive tennis—and something inside me lit back up. I realized there is a way for me to compete again, to feel alive, and to show my son that no matter what life takes from you, you keep moving.
Now I have a new dream:
to train and compete in wheelchair tennis while helping Dexter reach his full potential in his own tennis journey.
Dexter is now back in full-time tennis. Watching him on the court gives me strength to fight for my future.
Our goal is to grow together father and son on this new path.
Our Father–Son Mission
This fundraiser now supports both my recovery and Dexter’s tennis future:
• Daily living costs during rehabilitation
• Medical and surgery expenses
• Safe transportation for doctor visits, therapy, and training
• Wheelchair tennis gear, court time, coaching, and competition
• Dexter’s lessons, equipment, and travel for tournaments
I want my son to see that strength isn’t about being perfect—it’s about refusing to give up. Together, we will rebuild our lives, one swing, one wheel, one dream at a time.
Follow Dexter’s journey at @DexterWtennis
And my progress at @Zackwannawong
A Special Thank-You
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people and organizations who have carried me through the darkest moments of my life:
USTA,
Wheelchair Federation Foundation,
Limbs for Life Foundation,
Lawall Prosthetics,
and Moss-Magee — my incredible support system, both medically and in tennis, guiding me through recovery and helping me grow into wheelchair tennis.
Your support didn’t just help me walk again — it helped me live again.
Thank You for Believing in Us
To everyone who has donated, shared, or simply taken the time to read my story — thank you. Your kindness and generosity allow me to keep fighting for my life and for my son’s future.
I survived something that should have ended everything. With your support, I’m rebuilding — step by step, wheel by wheel.
From my heart,
Thank you for helping me and my son rise again.
Organizer
