Zion Zollinger

Zion has defied the odds since the day he was born. He entered into this world on November 8, 2016; a beautiful baby boy diagnosed with VACTERYL Association. This is a rare disorder involving birth defects that affect multiple anatomical structures. Zion’s birth defects included:

-    Long gap tracheoesophageal fistula and atresia 

-    Tracheomalacia

-    Vertebral anomalies/extra ribs

-    Cardiac defects

-    Mild Hydrocephalus

Zion spent the first 4 months of his life in the NICU at Primary Children’s Hospital undergoing multiple surgeries, enduring multiple set backs, fighting one infection after another. His first surgery was to detach his esophagus from his trachea to avoid getting fluids and infection in his lungs. Multiple times his esophagus was stretched in preparation to attach it to his stomach with the hope that one day he could eat by mouth. Things looked bleak when he contracted a MRSA infection. But, if there is one thing that is evident in Zion’s life it is that he is meant to live and bear witness that our God is a God of miracles!  

Zion has exceeded all medical expectations. At age 2, he said goodbye to being tube fed and was able to eat by mouth! He enjoys eating anything and everything! Zion has had over 60 esophageal dilations (and still counting) to make this possible. At age 3, a once medically fragile baby learned to walk, even run! Zion is a fighter! He is our champion! He is smart, playful, and has a gift of bringing joy to all who have the pleasure of being in his presence.

Zion is now 4 years old. A few weeks ago he started complaining of back pain. Not uncommon for a child with his condition. By divine intervention, his mother took him to the ER at Primary Children's Hospital. Days later he was diagnosed with Leukemia Cancer. He was immediately scheduled for surgery the next day to begin chemo therapy through a lumbar puncture and port that they installed; as well as 5 new meds orally. While he was under anesthesia, they did a bone marrow aspirate for testing. Just when we thought we had a plan of action in place to fight the cancer, another blow came. Devastating results showed that Zion has a rare type of Leukemia called Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Basically, this means that there is a chromosome that tells the cancer cells to grow faster. He is now high-risk and must undergo a much more aggressive chemo therapy regimen. It is possible that he will need to have a Bone Marrow Transplant.

The Zollinger family has a long, difficult road ahead of them. Zion has amazing parents. They are both first responders that in spite of caring for their three children (all under 6 years old), they serve their community. Zion’s father is a policeman and Zion’s mother is an ER nurse. As a community, we are asking that you please help the Zollinger family in any way that you can. We know prayers work! Any donations to help with gas, food, medical bills, and childcare are greatly appreciated as they must travel more than one hour (2 hours round trip) to get to Primary Children's Hospital many times a week. Anything any of us can do to help alleviate the Zollinger family financial burden so Zion’s parents can focus on providing their son with the loving nourishment, medical care and treatments he will need. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and for wrapping your arms around this amazing family during this time. The prayers, love and support you provide mean more than you’ll ever know. You are angels on earth. God bless you. 

Zion has touched countless lives with his mighty soul in a tiny 4 year old body. After his most recent surgery, sick with the full effects of the chemo and in pain, he said to his mom, “I never give up.” We invite you to join the fight with Zion so that he can fulfill his purpose on earth.

Thank you for doing Anything for a Friend!  When your ANYTHING is combined with the hundreds of ANYTHINGS of those who love and support the Zollingers, miracles can and will happen!  Let's help this special little boy and his incredible family.  You can CLICK HERE to donate or you can donate using VENMO (@becky-anderson-23).  Some may be wondering how much of your donation will go to Zion...the answer is simple, 100%.  Anything for a Friend is a true non-profit we are run out of a home with a Board of Directors composed of special people who volunteer all their time, love, and resources.  We pay the goodness forward and so will you!  May God bless you and yours.