Our
Story
Get to Know Us
The Zack Heger Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation started in honor of our son Zack who was diagnosed with a fatal muscle wasting disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, when he was just 3 years old. Initially, our goal was to fund vital research for a treatment or cure for DMD.
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On May 3, 2022, at age 29, our beloved Zack passed, and we decided to shift our focus to something Zack felt incredibly passionate about - for all people to have the opportunity to enjoy recreational space in their community with no barriers to entry and a space where people of all abilities feel they belong - including those with physical or neurological limitations.
Our experience with Zack taught us that wherever we went posed a challenge – handicap accessibility does not equate to access for all. As a family, we were continuously disappointed and saddened that he was not able to participate in basic activities like walking or rolling through a park, or having lunch with friends.
Today, our commitment and purpose is to collaborate with cities, towns, and private recreational providers to make existing spaces accessible and inclusive for all!
Our Mission
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While the ZHF mission was initially founded to fund a cure for DMD and improve the lives of those with MD, we have shifted our purpose to focus on methods of improving accessibility and inclusivity to individuals not only impacted by DMD but all disabilities. The foundation donates all proceeds raised to support efforts that make play spaces accessible for all individuals with a disability.