Compassion in Action: Supporting Families Through Pediatric Illness

The Mission of the Big Z Foundation is to embrace, raise up, and empower families facing the challenges of catastrophic childhood illness.

About the Foundation

Turning Compassion into Action

The Big Z Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families impacted by catastrophic pediatric illnesses. Our mission is grounded in the belief that no family should have to choose between caring for their child and meeting their basic needs.

Pediatric cancer and other severe illnesses take a toll on the entire family, often leading to financial, emotional, and psychological stress. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are well-documented among parents and siblings, and economic hardship is prevalent across all income levels. With few organizations able to meet these rising needs, the Big Z Foundation steps in to fill the gap.

We provide financial assistance, helping families cover rent, utilities, medical claims, travel, and more. Our vision is to create a community of support that allows families to focus on what matters most: their children.

Our Story

A Legacy of Love and Support

The Big Z Foundation was established in 2018 in memory of Zach Hoefler, who lost his battle with a brain tumor (pilocytic astrocytoma). During Zach’s journey at Children’s Health, Dallas, the Hoefler family witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by families navigating pediatric illness.

Every day, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., and more than 40,000 children undergo treatment each year. These numbers are rising, with an overall increase of 24% in childhood cancer diagnoses over the last 40 years. Yet, since 1980, only four drugs have been developed specifically for pediatric cancers.

The Big Z Foundation was created to provide immediate and direct support to these families, ensuring they feel cared for and supported during their most difficult times. Through Zach’s legacy, we continue to honor his spirit by bringing hope and relief to those who need it most.

What We Do

Providing Relief When Families Need It Most

Every year, 15,780 children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., and the ripple effects on their families are profound. At the Big Z Foundation, we offer relief by addressing the unique challenges families face:

  • Many do not have support and resources, whether financially or through the love of family and community. Some families face unemployment or reduced incomes due to caring for their sick child creating financial hardships for even the most basic essential household needs. The foundation assists with rent/mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, etc. Our desire is to lessen the burden of families having to choose between keeping the lights on, food in the pantry, gas in the car, a roof over their heads, and paying for medical care.

  • Many families must travel to receive care. Our organization will help with gas cards for travel and hotel stays near the hospital.

  • With the rise of medical costs, insurance co-pays can add up. Our organization will help to offset some of these costs.

  • Our organization will help families to defray the cost of funeral expenses.

With pediatric cancer diagnoses on the rise, the Big Z Foundation is committed to making a difference—providing critical support to families when they need it most.

Expanding Our Reach

At the heart of the Big Z Foundation is a commitment to making a tangible impact in the lives of families facing the challenges of pediatric illness. We believe in providing support that directly eases financial and emotional burdens, so families can focus on what truly matters: their loved ones.

Monthly Family Grants

Every month, we distribute grants to families receiving care. These grants are designed to provide immediate relief for essential needs like rent, groceries, utilities, and travel expenses. As we grow, our goal is to increase the number of grants we provide, ensuring more families feel the impact of our support each year.

Zach Hoefler Scholarships

To honor Zach’s legacy and support the next generation, we award three graduating seniors with college scholarships each spring. Through our partnership with The Foundation for Allen (TX) Schools, these scholarships not only celebrate academic achievement but also keep Zach’s memory alive in a meaningful way.

Together, these initiatives reflect our dedication to building a stronger, more compassionate community for families navigating the challenges of pediatric illness.

Making a Real Difference

Behind every grant is a story of hope, resilience, and relief. These families inspire our work and remind us why we do what we do. Your support makes these stories possible.