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Behind the Pose: How One Family's Loss Created a Movement
Manage episode 506915215 series 3667417
When life delivers its hardest blows, some families find extraordinary ways to transform pain into purpose. In this deeply moving conversation, Julia Lederer opens up about her brother Zach's journey with brain cancer and the incredible legacy that continues to touch thousands of lives through the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation.
Julia takes us back to when she was just seven years old and her ten-year-old brother received a devastating diagnosis. After doctors initially suggested palliative care, neurosurgeon Ben Carson offered hope through a risky surgery that gave Zach years of life nobody expected. Throughout his recovery and eventual second diagnosis during college, Zach demonstrated remarkable resilience that would become his hallmark.
The foundation's origin story centers around a simple yet powerful moment – Zach flexing his muscles from a hospital bed, a photo that went viral as "Zaching" and sparked a movement. What makes this organization unique is its commitment to helping patients with all types of cancer across all age groups, directly inspired by Zach's observations of fellow patients who lacked the support system he had.
Perhaps most touching are Julia's reflections on grief and remembrance. "It doesn't get easier," she shares, "but you get better at remembering all the good times." Now a mother herself, Julia reveals how her two-year-old son Mason (whose middle name is Zachary) talks to photos of the uncle he never met, keeping Zach's spirit alive in beautiful, everyday moments.
The Zaching Against Cancer Foundation continues its work through partnerships with 26 hospitals and events like their upcoming Running Festival on November 22nd at Turf Valley. Join this Howard County community in celebrating a hometown hero whose legacy reminds us all that in our darkest moments, we can still be a light for others.
💛 Support the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation and see the incredible work they’re doing:
👉 Website
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Chapters
1. Meet Julia Letterer (00:00:00)
2. The Origin of Zaching Against Cancer (00:04:12)
3. Zach's Cancer Journey (00:07:55)
4. Growing Up with a Sick Sibling (00:14:20)
5. Learning from Zach's Strength (00:21:31)
6. Honoring Zach's Memory Today (00:27:20)
7. Upcoming Running Festival Event (00:31:11)
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