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 passed away on February 13th, 2026. 1 week before his 29th birthday.
When Zack was first diagnosed, he told me "I don't want to be in a wheelchair." he fought very hard for a long time. he passed peacefully.
I am collecting donations to cremated him and hold a celebration of life full of the things Zack loved most - laughter and music.
Cash-app: $bezackstrong
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564447467974
#MSisBS #MSWarrior #BeZackStrong #Alwayskeepfighting