Zakk vs. The Rare Brain Tumor

On May 16th, after a trip to the CHKD ER for a suspected migraine, our 14-year-old son, Zakk, was diagnosed with large a brain tumor. In the following weeks, and after two surgeries and hospital admissions, the tumor was identified as a malignant pineal gland germ cell tumor that is a little bigger than a golf ball.  Zakk’s treatment plan is aggressive and has come with a lot of complications. He will have 4-6 months of chemotherapy and once that is complete, he will have 15 rounds of radiation, which is 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The success rate for this treatment is very high (90%) but the long-term side effects and chances of recurrence or it spreading to his spine is equally as high, making the long-term outlook hard to predict.

Thankfully Zakk has kept up his great sense of humor and positive outlook throughout this entire process and is usually the one in room making everyone else feel better about his diagnosis, even when feeling miserable. Zakk continues to stay positive and motivated to beat this. With help from his twin sister Hannah (who never lets him get too down or use it as an excuse), his parents and older sister Haylie, we are all working hard to get Zakk through this fight so he can continue to have the life he wants without any obstacles in his way. 

Throughout this process we have had so much love and support from everyone in our lives and we are so grateful. No one is ever prepared for a cancer diagnosis and the upheaval it creates in its wake. Between the constant barrage of doctor’s visits, hospital stays, pharmacy orders and medical complications, it has not been easy for us mentally or financially. If you would like to help with Zakk’s fight, donations toward his medical bills, travel expenses to appointments, meals or comfort items would be greatly appreciated. If you cannot donate financially or would prefer to donate your time, picking up groceries, cooking a meal, or running an errand would also be incredibly helpful. 

Please feel free to leave a message for Zakk and my family as we fight this battle. Above all, the constant love, prayers, well wishes, good vibes, positive energy and over all support is always needed, always helpful and always appreciated. 

We thank everyone for your support, and we will continue to update on Zakk’s progress and milestones. 

-With gratitude,

The Fullers