Introducing this rambunctious little 6 year old, Zach. He is 6 years old and lives in Nicholasville, KY. He enjoys collecting rocks, coins, dancing, and repeating songs he likes. He also enjoys running. No purpose needed; he just likes to run.
Zach has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, epilepsy, and Tuberous Sclerosis. Little Zach struggles with communication, socializing, and paying attention to learn. He doesn't see the harm in any situation so he has to be constantly supervised. He is a "wanderer" so their house has to stay locked on the inside at all times to keep him from wandering off. You can't let him walk alone outside because he will run away. Every day life is hard for Zach. He doesn't understand the purpose of day to day activities nor why things have to be done a certain way. From brushing your teeth to wearing clothes in public.
Zach is currently struggling with seizures during the night; this keeps him from resting well for the next day. Someone must attend to him at all times from the moment he wakes up until bed. Now with the seizures during the night he must remain with an adult during sleep as well.
Zach has two siblings, a younger brother Tucker and a 4 year old sister Loehe. His parents are Mandi and Ricky Phelps. Loehe is beyond brave and consistently supports her brothers.
Along with the struggles that Zach is facing; Tucker was also recently diagnosed with Autism and his father, Ricky, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ricky is currently off work while undergoing chemo treatment at the Central Baptist Cancer Center. Tucker attends speech and occupational therapy twice a week outside of the home.
The family is struggling to make financial ends meet due to all they are facing. Mandi is the only one working currently but between balancing work, all of Zach & Tucker's appointments as well as Ricky's treatments; it is a lot to take on. They were just approved for a service dog through 4 Paws For Ability that will help tremendously with Zach's quialit of life. Unfortunately the family will have to come up with $17,000 to pay for the dog.
Please consider donating to help this family. We will be doing several fundraisers to help in any way we can to assist Zach and his family.
To follow Zach's journey please check out Team Zach's Facebook page here.
We will be doing a shoe drive to help with the cost. We will need 3,000 shoes so please consider donating any shoes that you no longer wear. We accept men's, women's, & children's. Contact us at aspiringhopeky@gmail.org or call/text (502)648-4009.
As always remember even the smallest amount can make a difference. Please click the donate link and be sure to note that the donation is for "Team Zach"!!