Zach’s Own Words
Aug 19th, 2007 by admin in Uncategorized
“In September of 2005 I returned home from a two-year mission in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My mission was a great opportunity for me to serve people and strengthen their faith in Christ. Immediately upon returning home, I found a job and began saving to go to college in January. Within ten days of being home, I started feeling sick and didn’t know why. A simple physical at the doctor’s office resulted in many cat scans, blood tests, and biopsies. School would have to wait.
On January 6, 2006, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer known as fibro lamellar variant liver cancer. On February 6, I began the first of six types of chemotherapy. Within one week of my first chemo treatment, I became extremely sick and ended up in the ICU at Rochester General Hospital. I struggled for my life for the next week while in a medically induced coma. I slowly got my strength back, but for the next year, I was in out of the hospital with various cancer-related illnesses. My dream for school was slipping away.
I have always loved to exercise, and wanted to be active again. On April 14, 2006, I did my first race, a 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Run in Geneva, New York. In May 2007, I began a full-time job with True Green landscaping taking care of the Mormon historical sites in Palmyra. Since April, I’ve run four other 5K’s and one duathlon. I will run my first triathlon, sprint distance this Sunday in Pittsford, New York. I have several other athletic events planned for the summer. My friend Mike Hallstrom is helping me start my own foundation to raise money for cancer survivors like me to go to school. My major goal is to ride coast to coast to raise money for cancer survivors and inspire them to follow their dreams.”
I have know Zach for the last six years and found no-one that loves life as much as Zach does. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I have seen how Zach has touched so many hearts with his courage , his zest of life and his willingness to learn.
His current battle is sincerely a tough one but its a battle that will not go without a fight for that is Zach . I pray that anyone reading this will take a moment to think about this young man and to say a prayer for his recovery. Zach has always put God first in his life and it seems that all other priorities in his life fall into their proper place.
E. DeRidder, you rock. Man I’m touched by your courage and zest for life. I love your faith and determination to do what the Lord has asked you to do. Keep fighting, and we’ll keep praying.
Zach Bro, I love you.
I lived/worked with Zach for a few months in 2004 in Yerington, Nv. He is one of the most positive guys I know, even after he came down with the sickness. This man deserves the best of everything earth has, and I hope that you will keep him in your prayers.
Remember the good times, bro. Love, L Kortas.