I met Zach Marion in the fall of 04, when he was at Children's Mercy undergoing treatment for Leukemia. I heard from his dad, while at church, that he liked to draw, so for the next several months, I would go on my lunch hour and draw with him. We did cartoons, cars and bikes. I gave him a sketch book, and he ended up completely filling it. He was so creative, and truly loved to draw.
Zach fought a hard battle and was so brave through all of the surgeries and invasive treatments. The week before Christmas, I went by to see him, and though he was in a lot of pain, seeing my drawings and talking about "The Incredibles" seemed to give him peace. Zach passed the next day. An entire church family and communitiy were devastated.
That was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but it gave me a new appreciation of my own children, and being a father. That's why we have helped with the poker run/ fundraiser the last 2 years. Zach's dad, Bill, made it his personal quest to raise money for children's cancer research. I did the art for the first shirt, and last year, Nate did the art. Hope we can continue to raise money and awareness so no kid has to endure this.
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