Help Zach Fight For His Life & Recover from Severe Burns

Nicole Smith is organizing this fundraiser.

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On September 12th, 2024, my older brother was in a horrific car accident that almost ended his life after his car exploded and engulfed him in flames. Heroic bystanders were able to pull Zach out of the car and he was airlifted to the Burn ICU, where he is still fighting for his life.

Zach has 3rd degree burns over 60% of his body, and fractures in his spinal column and pelvis. He will be in the Burn ICU for a minimum of 4 months and his recovery journey will be long and incredibly difficult, requiring multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and specialized care over the coming months —if not years. The cost of these life-saving treatments is staggering, far beyond what insurance and our savings will cover.

My family is using every resource available to us, but the cost of saving his life will be astronomical. We humbly ask for your financial support on the long road to recovery.

My brother has poured his heart and soul into his community, friends, and family. Last December, Zach (along with 8,000 others) was laid off from his job of 8 years at Salesforce. A few weeks later, after Christmas, I learned that he gave one of his most valuable assets (a $200 DoorDash gift card from all of us) to unhoused neighbors, even in his own time of need. This is just one of so many examples that show how Zach’s love makes the world a better place.

Now, Zach needs our help. The funds we raise will go toward care including:

ICU and hospital stays: Zach is receiving state-of-the-art care and will be in the hospital for at least 4 months. He will have significant ICU costs for critical monitoring and specialized burn treatments.
Skin graft surgeries and facial reconstruction: Repeated surgeries to replace burned tissue and rebuild his body and facial features.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy: Long-term therapy to help Zach regain strength and mobility.
Medical equipment and medications: Specialized equipment, wound care supplies, and ongoing medications to manage pain and prevent infections.
Disability-related Expenses: Expenses that Zach will be unable to cover while he's recovering and unable to work.

Any amount you can give will make a difference in helping him

heal. We know times are tough, and even if you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us. Thank you for supporting our family and helping Zach fight for his recovery. Thank you for your love and support during the hardest time in our lives.