Zane's Recovery: A Family's Courageous Path

On April 30, 2024, 3-year-old Zane underwent what was expected to be a routine tonsillectomy. What began as a routine surgery became a nightmare as the unthinkable happened—Zane stopped breathing in the recovery room. He was airlifted to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where his fight for life began.

In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Zane was intubated for several days while doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him. Over the next two months, Zane endured multiple procedures and began a slow, courageous recovery. With the support of his family and a dedicated medical team, Zane made remarkable progress—from relearning how to hold his head up to sitting in a wheelchair and making sounds in speech therapy.

As of November 27, 2024, Zane was discharged from the rehabilitation center, but his journey is far from over. He requires ongoing daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain motor skills, strength, and independence. These therapies, alongside critical treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), are essential to Zane’s recovery but come at a high financial cost. Zane’s mother, Alex, left her nursing career to care for him full-time, leaving his father, Jovan, as the sole provider.

While insurance has been helpful, it only covers a portion of

the medical and therapy expenses. The family is also hoping to provide Zane with a therapy dog, which would offer vital emotional support and aid his healing journey.

This is where your help can make a difference.

The Ferris family is humbly asking for your support to help cover Zane’s ongoing care. Donations will go directly toward therapy sessions, HBOT treatments, and the potential addition of a therapy dog. Your generosity will ease the financial burden on this loving family and allow them to focus on what truly matters: Zane’s recovery.

Every donation, prayer, and share helps Zane take another step toward healing. Thank you for being a part of Zane’s journey and for your kindness during this challenging time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Ferris Family

In transit to Children's National Hospital

Zane working on gaining his neck strength back.

Zane getting used to his wheelchair.

Enjoying a stroll in the nice summer weather!

You can't see here but Zane is actually leaning on his own ! Yay for progress! Yay for Zane!

Zane getting used to some new specks !

Zane working on standing!

Zane's last day at the Rehab facility!