In the fall of 2022, 12-year-old Zach was a typical Grade 7 student — energetic, joyful, and fiercely passionate about soccer. He played for the Calgary Villains, dreamed of going pro one day, and loved hanging out with his friends or playing video games.

But everything changed when weakness in his hand and mysterious migraines turned out to be something no family is ever prepared for — a brain tumour. Zach was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a kind of brain tumour, in 2023. Zach had a tumour on the left side of his brain, pressing against the nerves that controlled his motor function. He underwent emergency surgery the very next morning. Though the tumour was removed successfully, Zach woke up to new challenges: he couldn’t speak, and he couldn’t walk.

Along the way, Zach’s family discovered Kids Cancer Care. Thanks to your generous support, we are able to help Zach. From tutoring support to help him keep up with school, to the PEER program that rebuilt his strength and confidence, Zach is thriving each day.

Your support brings real hope to real families facing the unimaginable.

To read Zach’s story, click HERE.