About Zane

Zane was a surprise baby. At the time I found out I was pregnant with him, my husband, two-year-old son, and I were on a year-long road trip to explore all the national parks in the Lower 48. On day five, outside of Joshua Tree National Park, I discovered I was pregnant. It wasn't supposed to happen, as I had no maternity insurance coverage. 

Zane was born on our road trip via emergency c-section and diagnosed with Trisomy 18, which is considered a life-limiting, genetic condition. He collected a number of other diagnoses throughout his thirteen years: cerebral palsy, scoliosis, chronic lung disease, Lennox Gastaut (intractable epilepsy), and obstructive apnea. He never learned to speak a word, only walked with extensive assistance for a short period of time, used a wheelchair and assistive technology, and was g-tube fed. Though the odds seemed stacked against him, and he spent a lot of time in the hospital, there was one thing that was pervasive about his personality: he smiled through it all and was a light for everyone who took the time to know him. 

Be Like Zane is not only a tribute to this beautiful soul, but it's a way to carry on his legacy of kindness, unconditional love, and non-judgment to those around us. 

Just like Zane did. 

--Susan, Zane's mom