Support Zachary Carter’s Fight for Healing
At just 12 years old, my sweet little brother Zachary Carter’s life changed forever. After suddenly becoming very ill and enduring countless ER visits including spending his 13th birthday in the emergency room, Zach was diagnosed with meningitis. During this terrifying time, doctors also discovered he had a Chiari Malformation.
Zach underwent a decompression surgery, but only two days later he was rushed back into the operating room after developing hydrocephalus caused by the meningitis a complication with only a 1% chance of occurring. After a week in the hospital, he was finally released, only to learn shortly after that the patch used during surgery had a pinhole leak and required yet another operation to repair.
Months passed, and we believed the worst was behind us. Unfortunately, the bone that had been shaved and patched during surgery grew back, and Zach then contracted bacterial meningitis. Against all odds, and after years of challenges, Zach persevered. Nearly eight years went by where he thrived, worked hard, and lived life to the fullest.
Then, on Sunday, January 25th, Zach was rushed to the ER again with severe head pain and tingling in his face. An MRI and CT scan confirmed our worst fear—the syrinx (a pocket of fluid in his spinal cord) is building up and blocking the normal flow of spinal fluid. After a follow-up appointment on Wednesday, January 28th, doctors confirmed that Zach urgently needs brain surgery.
On February 3, 2026, at just 22 years old, Zach will undergo his fifth brain surgery. Surgeons will place a tube connecting to the fourth ventricle of his brain to keep the pathway open and allow spinal fluid to flow properly. He will spend several days in the hospital, including at least 24 hours in the ICU and will be out of work for at least a month for recovery and bills will continue to just pile up for him!
As if this journey weren’t challenging enough, Zach and his beautiful girlfriend are also preparing to welcome their precious baby boy in July. What should be a time filled with excitement and joy is now overshadowed by fear, stress, and mounting medical expenses.
Zach is one of the hardest-working people you will ever meet. He has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Now, he needs support. If you are able to donate no matter how small, it would mean more than words can express. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser, keeping Zach and our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and kindness. 💙
First we want to let you know Zachs surgery was successful and he is doing so good, they moved him out of ICU last night and has had his follow up MRI and everything is flowing and looking like it should! They will start him on medication to anlow the production of cerebral spinal fluid down while his body heals! All glory to god! Secondly Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, donation, message, and act of kindness you’ve shared with us. Your support has meant more to our family than words can ever express, and we truly believe the prayers lifted up on his behalf have carried us through some very difficult days. Please continue to keep Zach in your prayers as he continues to recover. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for each of you and the love you’ve shown us but especially Zach during this time. Next step, working to get Zach home!!! 
