I’m starting this fundraiser for my best friend, Zoe, and her husband, Zack. At just 25 years old, Zoe is facing bone cancer and the loss of her leg, all while beginning her life as a newlywed.

On August 26, two days before their wedding, Zoe met with a surgeon expecting to discuss repairing a torn meniscus. Instead, she learned there was a large mass in her bone that doctors feared was cancer.

Two days later, Zoe and Zack were married. It was a beautiful celebration, but they were carrying questions about her health and what the coming weeks would bring.

After more imaging and a referral to specialists, Zoe was scheduled to meet her new surgeon at Fred Hutch on a Thursday. That Monday, he reviewed her images and called her in for an emergency biopsy that same day. The call caught everyone by surprise, but it meant Zoe could get the biopsy she needed without another day of waiting.

Following the biopsy, Zoe and her family were told she has bone cancer. Her CT and PET scans came back with nothing else the doctors were concerned about. This was a welcome piece of good news during an incredibly difficult time.

Preliminary biopsy findings suggest a low grade mass, but her doctors are concerned that it is growing toward her bone marrow. Zoe will need to have her leg amputated. The full biopsy results are still pending and will help determine whether she also needs chemotherapy and how intensive that treatment would be.

At an age when she and Zack are making plans for their future, they are now preparing for a surgery that will change her life and the recovery ahead. As her best friend, I wish I could make this easier. Starting this fundraiser is one way I can help and invite others to stand beside them, too.

Funds raised will help with medical and recovery expenses, transportation to appointments, and everyday living costs as they navigate surgery, recovery, and any time away from work. Our hope is to ease the financial pressure so Zoe can focus on healing and Zack can be beside her.

Any amount you can give will be deeply appreciated. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser, sending encouragement, or keeping Zoe and Zack in your thoughts are meaningful ways to help.

Thank you for surrounding my best friend and her husband with love and support. We’ll share updates as more answers become available.