Since November 2025, Zac has been facing a serious and unexpected decline in his health.
Because of long-term damage to his gastrointestinal tract caused by Celiac disease, Zac’s body currently cannot properly absorb nutrients from food or liquids. Without that ability, his body has been forced to draw nutrients from its own reserves, which has significantly affected his strength, energy, and neurological functioning.
What initially appeared to be a simple upper respiratory infection triggered a rapid downturn that doctors are still working to fully understand.
About three years ago, Zac was diagnosed with Celiac disease after doctors discovered severe gastrointestinal damage, including 13 ulcers. At the time, we believed that with treatment and dietary changes the damage had begun to heal.
Unfortunately, it has since become clear that the long-term effects of that damage were far more extensive than anyone realized.
At times the nutrient depletion has become severe enough that it has impacted his mobility. Recently, Zac has had to alternate between using a walker and a wheelchair while doctors work to stabilize his condition and rebuild his strength.
Right now Zac relies on medical infusions twice a week so his body can receive the nutrients it cannot absorb through normal eating and drinking.
Doctors have also recommended iron infusions, which are necessary to address the severe depletion caused by long-term malabsorption. Unfortunately, these treatments have not yet been scheduled due to the financial burden of ongoing medical care.
Many friends in our community encouraged us to start this GoFundMe, and after a lot of hesitation we finally decided to listen.
Many people in our local music scene and karaoke community know Zac well.
For years, he has been part of the heartbeat of that scene — helping bands with load-ins and breakdowns, taking photos and videos at shows, and stepping in to run sound when needed.
Before that, Zac ran his own karaoke business, where he hosted countless nights that made everyone who stepped up to the microphone feel like a star. No matter who you were or what you sang, Zac had a way of making people feel like music royalty.
Outside of music, Zac is also a huge football fan. He’s a devoted supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a lifelong lover of both American football and global football, writes freelance about the NFL, and even co-hosts a Steelers podcast. Sports, music, and his writing have always been parts of life that bring him the most joy.
Zac has spent years supporting musicians, performers, and friends in our band families and the local music scene.
Now we’re asking for a little help for him.
The road to answers and stability will require continued treatment and medical testing, and the financial burden has quickly become overwhelming.
Funds raised will help cover the medical care Zac urgently needs while doctors work to stabilize his condition, including:
• Ongoing nutrient infusions
• Upcoming iron infusions
• Necessary diagnostic procedures and imaging
• Related medical expenses as doctors determine the best path forward
Every contribution — no matter the size — helps move Zac one step closer to stability and answers.
If Zac has ever helped you feel braver on stage, captured a moment you’ll never forget, made you feel like a star at karaoke, or debated football with you for hours — we are deeply grateful for your support now.
Even if you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser helps tremendously.
Thank you for standing with Zac.