Zstory

Zachary Weimer was not an ordinary 12-year-old boy. Even though he certainly appeared to be
the boy next door – he loved baseball, hockey, video games, and chicken wings – he carried
with him a love characteristic of both a child’s innocence and an adult’s mature understanding.
Zach loved God. He listened to contemporary Christian music. Zach expressed a desire to give
money and his service to those in need. When he was baptized in November of 2007, Zach
celebrated with friends and family. He was confident in his salvation, yet wept for those who did
not know Christ. He recognized the importance, even at his tender age, to bring others to Christ.

Zach loved his family, the outdoors and adventure. So, when the opportunity came up for he and
his sister to attend a camp with his church, the Weimer kids did not hesitate. The camp provided
the opportunity for Zach and his older sister, Kelly, to spend some time together. They had a
chance to express their love for each other and recognized the blessing of their family. On
October 4, 2008, moments after sharing that time with his sister, Zachary was catastrophically
injured while riding a zipline and was rushed to a local pediatric hospital.

Word quickly spread throughout his church family and the Farragut, Tennessee community. A
CaringBridge website was established, and well wishers from across the country began to post
messages of love and hope. Thousands of prayers for healing poured forward. Zach was in a
coma. CT scans revealed a severe brain injury. For four days, Zach’s family and friends
endured fear, anger, sadness, hope, love and despair. Zachary succumbed to his injuries on
October 8, 2008, devastating his family and a loving and close community.

The outpouring of grief was overwhelming. Although unanswered prayers and questions hung in
the air, amazing things began to happen. In the immediate wake of his death, several of his
peers came to Christ. Baptisms were scheduled. Families held each other closer. Zachary’s
death led to a celebration of his life. A community-wide commitment to family and God began to
transform lives.

His family began to seek answers. While praying for his son’s recovery in the hospital, Shawn,
Zach’s Dad, heard the words, “Trust me. I will use this.” A father cannot begin to understand the
eternal question of “Why?” but he and Zach’s mother, Sally, began to ask themselves how they
could honor the life of their precious son. They treasured Zach’s love for others, and in
particular, began to reflect on a recent family trip to an orphanage in Jamaica.
They also recalled Zach’s desire to participate in mission work in Guatemala.

The Z Foundation is the result of Zach’s desire to serve others. The idea for the Foundation
rose from the ashes of this tragic loss. It has leapt forward from the spirit of a sensitive and
loving child. In essence, it is his family’s pledge to “allow God to use this.” The Z Foundation’s
mission is to provide opportunities, funding and logistics for those who want to serve others. We
are dedicated to honor God and Zachary and help Change Lives for Eternity.