After having surgery to reopen and repair his nasal passages, Zac began struggling with his bowels and experiencing severe pain. Initially, it was thought he was having side effects from the anesthesia. However, the doctors soon discovered that Zac’s appendix was leaking and beginning to rupture. While performing emergency surgery, the doctors discovered that not only did the appendix rupture, but it was full of infection (gangrene).

Zac is still in the hospital fighting infection and suffering with an immense amount of pain. His intestines and bowels are still dormant, his surgeon saying it's the worst case he has ever seen. Doctors say that Zac will likely be in the hospital for a month, assuming the infection does resolve itself and his bowels and intestines return to normal functioning. There is the unfortunate possibility that, if the infection doesn't resolve, Zac will be in the hospital for an even longer period of time.

This hospital has a strict policy that visitors cannot be under 16 years old, which has been difficult since Zac and Aurora, his wife, have two toddlers. The little girls did get to visit Zac on Christmas, which was a Christmas miracle and the first time they had seen their dad in person in weeks.

That being said, Aurora is unable to both take care of the girls and be at the hospital with Zac. This creates extra challenges for Aurora, having to arrange and seek childcare for the girls when Aurora is needed at the hospital.

As the length of time Zac is in the hospital increases, so does the financial burden for this sweet family. Any donation, even $1, will help alleviate some of the stress during this very difficult trial in this young family’s lives. It’s especially hard with so many of their family living across the country - any donation, good thoughts, and prayers are so appreciated.