Quick Status Summary (As of 3/8/26):

Zoë experienced multiple severe airway episodes earlier this month that were initially treated as anaphylaxis, leading to several emergency intubations and ultimately a tracheostomy to protect her airway. While the trach provides stability, doctors are still working to determine the underlying cause.

Extensive allergy testing has been negative or inconclusive so far. Physicians continue evaluating several possibilities, including mast cell disease, idiopathic anaphylaxis, vocal cord dysfunction, and potential neuromuscular causes. Zoë has been accepted for outpatient care at Cleveland Clinic and will also continue follow-up locally with several specialists.

She is currently completing inpatient rehabilitation to rebuild strength after her extended hospitalization. Zoë is participating in daily therapy, has progressed from using a wheelchair to walking with a walker, and is now using her speaking valve comfortably as her voice continues to strengthen.

Her expected discharge from rehab is later this week once the necessary trach care equipment is delivered. After discharge, outpatient testing, specialist follow-up, and continued physical therapy will begin. Zoë will not be returning to work at this time as recovery and medical evaluation continue.

See original story and most recent updates below for more details!

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A sudden medical crisis has landed Zoë in the ICU, and we’re raising funds to help her and Noah get through this unimaginable time.

Earlier this week, Zoë and Noah’s lives were unexpectedly upended when Zoë suffered a sudden, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction while at work and was rushed to the hospital. The cause of the reaction was completely unknown. Her throat began to swell, and EMS intubated her before she was admitted to the ICU at Parkview Regional Medical Center and placed on a ventilator.

After stabilizing the next day, doctors attempted to remove the breathing tube. That afternoon, they gave Zoë lunch to see how she would tolerate eating, and she almost immediately went into another anaphylactic episode, requiring emergency medications and re-intubation. This alarming pattern raised concern for a rare tick-borne allergy called alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause severe allergic reactions to mammal meat and dairy proteins such as beef, pork, cheese, whey, and casein.

Over the following days, Zoë was extubated and re-intubated multiple times due to unpredictable episodes of airway distress, including throat swelling, itching, flushing, and difficulty breathing. On several occasions, her airway began to close again, requiring epinephrine, heavy sedation, emergency response teams, and renewed ventilator support.

Doctors have performed bronchoscopies, X-rays, breathing trials, vocal cord evaluations, speech therapy assessments, and extensive bloodwork, while consulting specialists in pulmonology, allergy and asthma, nutrition, pathology and ENT.

They are now exploring several possible causes of Zoë’s anaphylaxis shock episodes, including:

Together, these conditions can dangerously restrict her airway and trigger anaphylaxis-like emergencies.

Zoë has had encouraging progress over the last 24 hours. She is currently off the ventilator, breathing on her own, and tolerating safe foods such as bananas and oatmeal! She is being maintained on a strict vegan diet while doctors continue testing to determine the exact cause and a long-term treatment plan. Although this is hopeful, her condition remains fragile and unpredictable, and she continues to be closely monitored in the ICU.

Zoë is an incredible and selfless teacher of over 10 years. She is currently a Montessori teacher at Oak Farm and pours her heart into her students every single day. She and her husband, Noah, met while teaching at MLK Montessori and now work as co-teachers together at Oak Farm. Like so many educators, their dedication and influence extend far beyond what is publicly recognized, and their daily contributions make a meaningful and lasting impact on students’ lives.

Because Zoë has been in the ICU since Monday, both Zoë and Noah have been unable to work, and Noah has remained at her bedside around the clock. With mounting medical bills - the financial burden is quickly becoming overwhelming.

We are raising funds to help cover:

Most importantly, we want Zoë and Noah to be able to focus on healing - not worrying about what comes next financially.

Any donation, share, or prayer means more than we can express. Thank you for loving Zoë, supporting Noah, and helping us navigate this scary time in any way you can.