Two years today

Two years ago today, our world shifted 

It was the beginning of Zack’s chemo journey a path no child should ever have to walk. We were suddenly thrown into a world of hospital rooms, results, beeping machines, and far too many medical terms. That day marked the start of something we never imagined we’d face, and yet, here we are  two years later, still standing, still fighting, still hoping.

Since that day, Zack has been through more than most adults face in a lifetime. He’s lost his hair  not once, but multiple times. He’s had two ports placed to make treatments and transfusions a little easier, though there’s nothing truly “easy” about any of it. He’s braved countless hospital visits, endured painful side effects, and shown a strength that continues to leave us in awe.

There were moments that brought us to our knees, reactions, fevers, setbacks, long nights with no sleep and longer days filled with waiting and worry. But through it all, Zack has remained our bright, brave boy. His spirit, his laughter, his resilience they carried us through the darkest days.

We’ve watched nurses and doctors become family. We’ve learned to celebrate the small victories, stable counts, a good day of energy, a clear scan, or even just a smile on a tough day. And we’ve been lifted by the love and support of friends, family, and even strangers who have walked this path beside us in their own ways.

And yet, two years later… we’re still waiting.

We’re waiting for that final, tangible milestone: port removal. It’s a small thing with huge meaning  a symbol that this chapter might finally be closing. It means the treatments are done, the risks are lower, and zack can begin to truly heal. Emotionally. Physically. Completely.

We know that healing doesn’t happen overnight. The trauma, the fear — they linger long after the IV lines are gone. But we also know that Zack has already overcome so much more than we ever thought possible. His journey isn’t over yet, but the hardest part, we hope, is behind us.

So today, we hold space for all of it the pain, the growth, the fear, the courage, and most of all, the love. Two years ago, we stepped into the unknown. And today, we honour every single step.