Zak was born with a genetic kidney disease called Alport’s Syndrome, which attacks his kidneys, causes hypertension, and affects his hearing and eyesight. Over the past few years, Zak has faced incredible challenges—he was on dialysis for almost three years, endured eight surgeries in the past year alone, and was hospitalized in April and May of 2025 when peritoneal dialysis stopped working. At that point, doctors estimated he had only six months to live. Zak began hemodialysis treatments, and in July, The University of Nebraska Medical Center accepted him onto their transplant list.

In October, Zak and his wife Haylee received a transplant offer, but heartbreakingly, the donor kidneys failed before surgery could begin. They were sent home, still waiting and hoping. Then, on December 17, 2025, Zak and Haylee received another call for a kidney transplant offer—and this time, they received their Christmas miracle! Now, Zak and Haylee must stay in Omaha for at least six weeks before returning home, with a possible additional six weeks of recovery at home. During this time, both are without income, and the financial burden is heavy as they raise their family in the midst of transplant recovery.

If you feel it in your heart to say a prayer or if you are able to help financially, their family would be forever grateful for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and allow Zak and Haylee to focus on healing and being together as a family.