In October of 2021, our brother Zack was diagnosed with Stage 4, Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer). We were immediately made aware that it is not curable with currently available treatments. Anything done would be to prolong his life and improve the quality of life he could have. He has been through countless treatments, scans, major surgeries to his brain, lungs, and kidneys. He has fought long and hard, far exceeding any initial prognosis, but he is reaching the end of his fight. He is currently receiving hospice care and doesn’t have much time left with us.

We have been so very fortunate that Mom, Dad, and Zack decided to move to Minnesota when they did. He received excellent care that gave him far more time than they had originally thought. Instead of months we got a little over 4 years. All of his care was completely covered by the State of Minnesota.

We have decided to set up this GoFundMe to help with his after life care. Per Zack’s wishes, we will be having him cremated. We plan to have a small gathering in Minnesota for family and friends. We would love to also have a service in California, because most of our family and friends still live there. It would mean a lot to be able to give Mom and Dad the opportunity to be around extended family while grieving. Right now that isn’t something that is financially feasible. Dad hasn’t been able to substitute teach this whole school year, as things with Zack’s cancer had progressed. Zack also does not have life insurance. We are in need of help to make this happen and any little bit would be a step closer to making it a reality.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers throughout Zack’s journey. Thank you for the calls. Thank you for the meals and gift cards for Mom and Dad the last couple months. It has meant more than we can express.