ZHOPE

Hey, a new friend of mine named Leah was able to get ZHOPE a little publicity on an internet radio program called “The Stupid Cancer Show”. The show is part of an organization for cancer survivors 18-40 yrs-old called “I’m Too Young for This”. To hear Zach’s plug, follow this link, go to the Oct 29 radio show and fast forward to the 15 min. mark: http://www.imtooyoungforthis.org/stupidcancershow/index.html We’re going to have a full-15-20 minute interview on the show on March 31.

Currently, Zach is needing as many prayers from everyone as possible. He looks like he is going to have Radiation treatment in the coming month. He is working hard but still needs help through this tough time. But, as always Zach is in great spirits as you can see below.

Zach’s condition is very serious. He’s in a hospital in Rochester waiting for a new liver. If he doesn’t get one soon, he’ll die. Yet, even with these obstacles he is still optimistic. During the summer, he did multiple 5K races, five triathlons, and a 100-mile bike ride. He did all this with a tumor on his liver the size of two large grapefruits and while on chemotherapy. When Zach recovers he’s going to continue to do triathlons. Eventually, he hopes to do a cross country bike trip to raise money for a cancer charity like the Lance Armstrong Foundation. ZHOPE.org and the Zach DeRidder Foundation were created to help Zach realize his dream of biking across the U.S. But Zach can’t get in the ring with the bike ride until he knocks out his cancer. Please pray for Zach and his family during this time of need.

In other exciting news, Zach was accepted into Brigham Young University-Idaho. This is one of the schools he was hoping to get into. He has been accepted into the school for the winter 2008 semester. However, at this time he is currently undecided about his schoolong options. Hopefully, we will hear from Zach soon, about these accomplishments.

This is a video of Zach in one of his recent triathlons.

 NEWS INTERVIEW

Zach’s television interview the day he started the ZDF foundation in Rochester NY. Two days later he completed his first triathlon in Pittsford, NY. Click Here.