Mommy Teaches Strength, Daddy Fights Fires—Now I’m Fighting Cancer

Zachary’s Fight Against High‑Risk Neuroblastoma

We are Jeff and Samantha Bonowicz, proud parents of our bright, joyful son, Zachary, who began walking at 9 months and running by 10. He brings light and laughter into our home each day.

In late April, recurring fevers, sudden refusal to eat, and noticeable weight loss led us to suspect something was wrong. After a strep diagnosis, a visible lump appeared on Zach’s left side—clearly abnormal for our active little boy.

On May 5, we took him to the pediatrician, who immediately referred us to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Within hours, ultrasound results brought the devastating diagnosis no parent expects to hear: high‑risk neuroblastoma, with MYCN gene amplification, a known marker of aggressive tumor growth. The tumor, measuring 11 cm, was pressing on critical arteries and causing dangerously high blood pressure.

Zach was admitted that very day, launching an overwhelming schedule of biopsies, MRIs, MIBG scans, placement of feeding tubes and IV lines, and his first round of chemotherapy. Despite the intensity, Zach surprised us—and his doctors—with an early positive response.

In just one month, his tumor shrank. After four rounds of chemotherapy, he has regained the weight he lost and then some. In August, he’s scheduled for major surgery—possibly including removal of a kidney—to ensure every cancer cell is removed. The year ahead includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, radiation, and immunotherapy, all to reduce the risk of relapse.

Only about 800 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the U.S. each year—Zach is one of them. He has amazing strength, and we’re doing everything in our power to fight with him. But this journey is long and deeply costly—beyond insurance coverage for treatments, travel, specialized therapies, home care, and loss of income.

Please help us give Zach every possible chance at survival and the chance to just be a kid again.

All donations go directly to Zach’s medical care, travel costs, repairs needed for home medical setup, and living expenses while we must focus fully on caring for him.

We look forward to providing updates of Zachary's journey and progress.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for considering being part of this fight.

— With love,

Jeff, Samantha & Zachary

Organized by the members of FDNY E289 + TL138