Support Zacks fight against aggressive MS flare-up

I am raising funds for my little brother, Zackery. Zack has always been a happy, kind, strong, smart, empathetic, caring person. He is talented, strong-willed, funny, hardworking, respectful, and charismatic. He can make a bad day fade from your mind by cracking a joke and hitting you with his contagious laughter.

Zack is more than willing to be a shoulder to cry on or lend you an ear when you need to vent. Whether it's family, band, or friend, everyone needs to have a little bit of Zack in their lives. He grew up in Exeter, Pennsylvania where he has lots of friends and family.

Some of his favorite things include: pizza, chocolate milk, dogs, cats, music, off-roading, playing guitar, quality time with loved ones, animals, hiking, working out, going to concerts, making music with people he cares about, helping others, entertaining anyone around him, and making everyone laugh. He is and always will be the class clown.

As an adult, Zack graduated from BCTC in small engine but decided to dedicate his heart and soul to his biggest passion: music. Zack was inspired by our cousin when he was 7 years old. Our cousin indulged him by showing him the strings and even gave him his first guitar.

10 years later, Zack found himself in a brutal slamming death metal band "Extinction". Zack has a very unique playing style due to his influencers and teaching himself how to play by ear.

Extinction wasn't just a band, it was family. To Zack, it was his life. He worked with his bandmates to write creative and unique songs, allowing him to show off his true skill in a way unlike any other. He met (and opened for) famous artists, played on very well-known stages in popular venues, and even learned how it felt to build a fan base. After Extinction split, Zack joined "When Hell Ascends Tonight" which was unfortunately short-lived due to an unforeseen, invisible disease.

Zack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS = a chronic disease of the central nervous system that can range in severity, affecting overall mobility, vision, ability to speak, numbness and tingling). He had trouble walking, delayed speech, tremors and worst of all: numbness in his hands and fingers. His inability to play guitar took an extreme toll on his mental health and gravely affected how Zack envisioned his future. He left When Hell Ascends Tonight, sold all of his equipment and decided to start his life over in Tucson, Arizona with his girlfriend.

MS is most common in women over 40 and unfortunately, can be hereditary. There are all types of treatments as well as lifestyle changes that can be implemented to prevent MS relapses. Unfortunately, there is no known "cure" for MS which had Zack feeling defeated and left the rest of us concerned for his health and safety. Despite receiving treatments, diet changes, less humidity and more exercise; Zack never knew when he might have an MS relapse.

In the beginning of July 2024, Zack was living his new life as expected until his body decided otherwise. He was hospitalized at Banner Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. His relapse progressed until he was unable to walk, move or talk. As time passed Zack developed pneumonia and MRSA. At this point his MS treatments were no longer an option. Zack was put on a ventilator and became unresponsive. The girlfriend who accompanied him to Arizona did not visit him in the hospital nor notify his immediate family of his condition.

His Girlfriend notified me (Zacks older sister) about issues with Zacks car company in the first week of August. After some interrogation, I realized Zack was not just visiting the hospital to receive his treatment. Multiple phone calls later, the truth was revealed. Zack had been transferred from South Banner Hospital on August 2nd and has been fighting for his right to party ever since.

Zack is currently receiving antibiotics for pneumonia and MRSA. He is responsive but requires a tracheal tube to protect his airways and a feeding tube for nutrition. I managed to convince his medical staff to grace him with the taste of some high quality choccy milk and have been focusing on exercising all of his senses. As one complication is dealt with, another arises. Meanwhile, Zack is in a hospital bed, unable to talk or move, alone and 40 hours away from his family that cannot afford to fly or drive to be with him.

When Zack was first diagnosed, he told me "I don't want to be in a wheelchair." I assured him that as long as he was receiving his treatments, living a healthy lifestyle and not being reckless that a wheelchair would never be needed. I call the hospital daily and talk to him on speaker phone. I have done everything I can to build him a support system both face-to-face and long distance. We have many options and processes to consider when deciding his treatment plan. As his sister, I am worried about his mental/emotional health jus as much as his physical health. He is recovering but very slowly on a bumpy uphill road. This is why I am asking for help.

Zack has been in a hospital bed for over a month and has had his co-workers visit him occasionally. I annoy him daily since I found out he was in the hospital. If you know Zack personally or recognize him from a concert, please reach out to him. A card in the mail or a quick (one sided) phone call would lift his spirits and aid his healing process. When Zack is fully recovered and begins to regain mobility he will need physical therapy and lots of rest.

For information to send a card, care package or to call and speak with Zack please contact me.

You can send song or video links, words of encouragement and/or show support through a letter or message to be read over the phone to him.

I am collecting donations to provide Zack the financial assistance he needs to pay for things such as personal hygiene items, tools and equipment to exercise his senses. Personal affects to boost his moral and ability to fight his good fight will make a huge impact on his recovery. Funds will be held onto, untouched, until it is deemed necessary to pay out-of-pocket for his transport home to PA from Az. If you can't donate please share. Donations are being collected here and via

Cash-app: $bezackstrong

You can follow Zack's recovery by making a donation and choosing to receive email updates regarding his cause OR by following his page BE ZACK STRONG on Facebook using the link here:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564447467974

#MSisBS #MSWarrior #BeZackStrong #Alwayskeepfighting

Thank you to everyone who follows his story, shares his links and provides moral for Zackery during his Fight. By donating to his cause, our generous donors have given Zack and his support system some relief knowing they have a safety net for all of his unknown yet complex needs. All proceeds are going to Zacks direct needs as they fluctuate during his war against MS. Every share and every penny is greatly appreciated!