<div>It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news about a man that has always put everyone and their needs head of his own. A dedicated Husband, Father, Brother, Son and Head Coach and Owner of the Decatur Blaze Hockey Team, Zac Pearson.
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<div>Over the last month, Zac began experiencing symptoms that just didn't seem right. Over the last month, we noticed that Zac was more fatigued than usual. He was experiencing dizziness, looked pale, and just wasn't feeling like himself. After a follow up with his primary care physician and routine lab work showed that he was anemic. What was initially thought might be a minor health issue quickly became something much more serious. Additional labs were ordered, and when those results came back even lower, Zac and Rachel were advised to take him to the Emergency Department at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center on May 27th for further evaluation.
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<div>Initially, doctors suspected a bleeding ulcer. An EGD was performed on May 28th, but the results were normal. Further testing told a different story. A CT scan of his abdomen and pelvis revealed metastatic lesions on his liver, peritoneal implants, and involvement of lymph nodes. On May 29th, Zac underwent a colonoscopy to check for colon masses, which was negative.
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<div>Preliminary pathology results have confirmed that Zac is battling an aggressive cancer. Following additional testing and consultation with oncology, doctors narrowed the possible primary cancer source to either pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
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<div>On June 2nd, Zac was transferred to OSF Saint Francis, where Dr. Puli performed an EUS and ERCP. Preliminary pathology results indicate a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Additional biopsies are currently being analyzed to determine the exact primary location of the cancer.
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<div>Zac and Rachel have since met with Illinois Cancer Care, and genetic marker testing has been completed. Those results will take a couple of weeks to return and will help guide treatment decisions.
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<div>On June 15th, Zac and Rachel will travel to Nashville to begin treatment at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, where they are hopeful that specialized care and advanced treatment options will give him the best possible chance in this fight.
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<div>As you can imagine, this diagnosis has turned their family's world upside down. They are doing everything they can to stay focused on Zac's health and treatment, but the reality is that the medical expenses, travel costs, lodging, and time away from work will create a significant financial burden in the weeks and months ahead.
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<div>This has been an overwhelming and emotional journey, and there are still many unanswered questions. We are all taking things one day at a time and putting our faith in the incredible doctors and care teams helping Zac fight this battle.
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<div>We know that many people will ask what they can do to help the Pearson family. Today, we are launching this fundraiser to help support Zac and his entire family during this journey. Every donation, share, prayer, and message of encouragement means more than we can put into words.
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<div>If you are able to contribute, we are deeply grateful. If not, please consider sharing this post and keeping Zac in your thoughts and prayers as he begins the fight ahead.
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<div>We believe in Zac's strength, and we know he won't face this battle alone.
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<div>Thank you for surrounding their family with love, support, and hope.
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<div>#TeamZac #FightWithZac #StrongerTogether #hockeyfamilyisalwaysfamily
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Kelli Welsh

James Hess

Jennifer Ekstrom

Andrew Rawcliffe

Michael Wilk

Anonymous

Barbara McRoy

Misty Fricke

Andrew Chiligiris

Brandon Adler

Barbara Sakis

Candice Meeter

Sara Karalis

Derrick Welsbacher

Jared Ley

Ellen Werdehoff

Katie Collignon

Susan Hanley

Nick Pomponio

Zac's fight to PUCK CANCER

Zac's fight to PUCK CANCER

Still $1,454 to go. Help us build momentum.