Hearts of hope beating for Zach!!
Donation protected
{I have updated the goal amount for Zach given the new medical situation (please read the details in the updates). He has been in the hospital again since June 17 and is expected to stay until June 27. Please donate if possible and share with your family, friends, church and co-workers}
I am creating this page for the son of my dear childhood friend, Jennifer Williams Panzeca. She and her family were a large part of the Redbird community in West Frankfort. She has lived in Cincinnati with her husband and children since 1995. When I heard that her son had become ill, I knew right away that I wanted to do something to help him. I hope all of you will feel the same.
I met Zachary a few years ago and loved him right away. The first thing you notice about Zach is that he is a large man at 6'7. It takes only a few minutes to realize that he is a gentle giant. He is a respectful, confident, funny, sweet and hard working young man. He is engaged to be married in the fall of 2019, and is in the process of planning his future with his family.
Zach was a healthy, strong 23 year old that worked as a waiter at a high end tavern/restaurant, loved nature and taking pictures and having fun! On April 13 he started having chest pains and just didn't feel well. After being examined and tests completed in the ER, moderate damage to his heart was found without a definite cause.
He spent a week in ICU for further testing. Bloodwork showed a continued increase in heart damage, so an echocardiogram, ultrasound, cardiac catheterization, MRI and a heart muscle biopsy were all performed.
Zach was diagnosed with Myocarditis due to an "unknown viral infection". He has also developed a complication called Cardiomyopathy and is in the first stages of congestive heart failure. Recent test results have revealed this "virus" is also attacking other organs and even the muscle in Zach's body. With no conclusive cause, they are currently attempting to treat symptoms, as his body continues to deteriorate.
The family has decided to get a second and third opinion due to Zach's young age.
He continues to have the chest pressure, tightness, burning, and arrhythmias because of his weak, sluggish heart. He also has additional pain complaints throughout his body (muscle pain, feeling faint, dizzy and stomach pain) in addition to the same chest complaints from day one.
The doctors are concerned that the damage is progressing at a rapid rate so to ensure Zach does not have a massive heart attack, he now wears a Life Jacket, which is an external defibrillator in case his heart goes into an irregular rhythm.
Due to the severity of the situation with his heart failure status, clots in his lungs and in his leg, the physicians have told him it may be several months before being able to work again. They initially said three months. That means his monthly bills and his medical bills will pile up, so he has a greater need now.
With his heart functioning at 30% capacity, he is unable to even host a shift at his employment without an exacerbation of symptoms.
He does not qualify for many assistance programs and has no way of paying all the bills piling up, from insurance to rent to the mounting medical bills he continues to accumulate. Jenny and her husband Scott are doing everything they can for Zach, but it puts an enormous strain on all of the family.
I'm asking from the bottom of my heart to donate anything you can to help this wonderful young man, and his special family, as they continue to focus on Zach's health.
I've loved Jenny since we were in grade school, and now I love her husband and children just as much. I'm thankful I have the privilege to call them my friends and I know they will be so grateful for your help during this difficult time. They have been the first to step up to any plate when help is needed. It is time to return the good deed.
Please feel free to share this so more people can help Zach. Thank you!
Zach and his fiancé Jordan
Zach had a visitor from a therapy dog while in the hospital
I am creating this page for the son of my dear childhood friend, Jennifer Williams Panzeca. She and her family were a large part of the Redbird community in West Frankfort. She has lived in Cincinnati with her husband and children since 1995. When I heard that her son had become ill, I knew right away that I wanted to do something to help him. I hope all of you will feel the same.
I met Zachary a few years ago and loved him right away. The first thing you notice about Zach is that he is a large man at 6'7. It takes only a few minutes to realize that he is a gentle giant. He is a respectful, confident, funny, sweet and hard working young man. He is engaged to be married in the fall of 2019, and is in the process of planning his future with his family.
Zach was a healthy, strong 23 year old that worked as a waiter at a high end tavern/restaurant, loved nature and taking pictures and having fun! On April 13 he started having chest pains and just didn't feel well. After being examined and tests completed in the ER, moderate damage to his heart was found without a definite cause.
He spent a week in ICU for further testing. Bloodwork showed a continued increase in heart damage, so an echocardiogram, ultrasound, cardiac catheterization, MRI and a heart muscle biopsy were all performed.
Zach was diagnosed with Myocarditis due to an "unknown viral infection". He has also developed a complication called Cardiomyopathy and is in the first stages of congestive heart failure. Recent test results have revealed this "virus" is also attacking other organs and even the muscle in Zach's body. With no conclusive cause, they are currently attempting to treat symptoms, as his body continues to deteriorate.
The family has decided to get a second and third opinion due to Zach's young age.
He continues to have the chest pressure, tightness, burning, and arrhythmias because of his weak, sluggish heart. He also has additional pain complaints throughout his body (muscle pain, feeling faint, dizzy and stomach pain) in addition to the same chest complaints from day one.
The doctors are concerned that the damage is progressing at a rapid rate so to ensure Zach does not have a massive heart attack, he now wears a Life Jacket, which is an external defibrillator in case his heart goes into an irregular rhythm.
Due to the severity of the situation with his heart failure status, clots in his lungs and in his leg, the physicians have told him it may be several months before being able to work again. They initially said three months. That means his monthly bills and his medical bills will pile up, so he has a greater need now.
With his heart functioning at 30% capacity, he is unable to even host a shift at his employment without an exacerbation of symptoms.
He does not qualify for many assistance programs and has no way of paying all the bills piling up, from insurance to rent to the mounting medical bills he continues to accumulate. Jenny and her husband Scott are doing everything they can for Zach, but it puts an enormous strain on all of the family.
I'm asking from the bottom of my heart to donate anything you can to help this wonderful young man, and his special family, as they continue to focus on Zach's health.
I've loved Jenny since we were in grade school, and now I love her husband and children just as much. I'm thankful I have the privilege to call them my friends and I know they will be so grateful for your help during this difficult time. They have been the first to step up to any plate when help is needed. It is time to return the good deed.
Please feel free to share this so more people can help Zach. Thank you!
Zach and his fiancé Jordan
Zach had a visitor from a therapy dog while in the hospital
Organizer and beneficiary
Effaney Crain
Organizer
Benton, IL
Jennifer Williams Panzeca
Beneficiary
