Zach was 17 years old when it was discovered that tumor cells had invaded his spinal fluid and were circulating with the spinal fluid through his brain and spinal cord. He had ependymoma, a type of brain cancer. Although his mother wonders if it was caused when, as a toddler, he experienced a head wound after a tumble at a babysitter's home, the cause will never be clearly defined. What is clear is that those tumor cells changed Zach's life significantly. His job and work experience at InRETURN provides hope that he can build an independent life.
As a ninth-grader, Zach's classmates honored him with a title, "Mr. Ferguson," reserved for the most popular boy graduating from junior high. As a sophomore, he earned a varsity letter as a starting defensive lineman for the varsity football team. Schoolwork was not hard for Zach and he could get B's in almost every course—sometimes without much studying. Before his first brain surgery, he had successfully applied to many universities; he was accepted by nine, some with scholarships. It appeared that he was a young man with many opportunities in his future.
It was 2000 when Zach first noticed an unusual complaint—a “ringing in his ears.” He was a healthy young man, so the family practice doctor prescribed a decongestant. The noise didn't go away, so soon after, a specialist ordered a CAT scan. A mass in the center of Zach's brain was discovered which appeared to be inoperable! By Christmas, he was extremely ill with migraine-like headaches. In January the family sought a world renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Kerry Crone, who had pioneered a new resection technique to remove deep-seated tumors previously thought to be inoperable. The surgery lasted five hours rather than the scheduled two. Dr. Crone explained that getting the tumor cells out of the ventricle was like shoveling snow during a blizzard—as soon as he would clear the ventricle, more tumor cells would float in.
Zach was unlucky enough to have the cancer, but during the healing process, he had to spend an extra three weeks in the hospital for treatment of meningitis. While there, he suffered a tragic loss of a different kind—his father died during a heart attack.
Treatment for ependymoma is three-staged: first surgery, then radiation, and then chemotherapy. This cancer usually occurs during childhood; the average patient is six years old. Zach's chances of survival were slim. It was a difficult sixteen months, but with a skillful medical team, Zach won the battle. Radiation caused some permanent brain damage that wouldn't be discovered until many months later. In spite of the odds during treatment, today Zach's cancer is in remission and unlikely to return.
Rebuilding his life has been a challenge. After serious injury, many people will be left with a limp or visible physical handicap. Brain injury is hidden. During the post-cancer years, Zach would take one step forward in recovery and then discover another limitation or deficiency. He attempted employment as a waiter, inventory clerk, and nursing assistant but only worked each job for a few months. He took some college level courses, but his capacity seemed limited to only one or two classes per semester; a degree would have taken years to secure. Zach came to InRETURN looking for successful on-the-job work experience. Zach sought experience with work place rules, protocols, and expectations. He needed an opportunity to be successful. He needed to improve his self confidence and self esteem. He needed some income and independence.
Zach started his InRETURN employment in January 2008. He moved away from home and into an apartment for independent living in March 2008. He is very appreciative of the job experience he is gaining and the work friends he has made.
- Julie, Zach's Mom |
