The Big Z Foundation was established in 2018 in memory of Zach Hoefler, who lost his battle with a brain tumor. During Zach’s treatment at Children’s Health in Dallas, the Hoefler family witnessed firsthand the overwhelming challenges families face when navigating pediatric illness—challenges that extend far beyond medical care.
Across the United States, children are diagnosed with cancer every day. Despite rising diagnoses, advancements in pediatric-specific treatments remain limited. For families, the burden is not only emotional but also financial, as everyday expenses continue while parents step away from work to care for their child.
The Big Z Foundation was created to meet these urgent needs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, its mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: no family should have to choose between caring for their child and meeting basic needs.
Through direct financial assistance, the foundation provides immediate relief to families facing catastrophic pediatric illnesses. Grants help cover essentials such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, and travel to and from treatment—allowing families to focus on what matters most: their child’s care and well-being.
Since 2020, the Big Z Foundation has provided over $300,000 in direct financial grants to families facing catastrophic childhood illness. In 2026 alone, the organization will distribute $89,000 to families navigating the unimaginable. This growing impact is made possible by generous donors who continue to believe in and support the mission.
Lyra, is a local teen, battling the same type of tumor Zach faced. After initially responding to treatment, her condition progressed earlier this year. She is no longer able to stand or walk and now relies heavily on her family for daily care. Despite these challenges, Lyra continues to think of others and finds joy in music, especially playing the guitar when she feels up to it.
Her parents are working as much as possible, but medical expenses continue to rise beyond what insurance will cover. As her mother shared, “It’s been a lot to navigate, and this assistance would greatly help us with the costs and bills that are adding up.”
For many families, support from Big Z arrives at a moment when hope is needed most. As one family wrote after receiving assistance, “We’ve been in the ICU for 24 days, and your generosity has truly touched our hearts. Receiving your note and gift meant so much during such a difficult time . . . We feel incredibly blessed and deeply appreciative. What you’re doing makes a real difference in people’s lives—like ours.”
Beyond financial support, the foundation is building a compassionate community. A cornerstone of this effort is the annual Big Z Classic Golf Tournament, Bash, and Auction, an event that brings people together for a day of purpose-driven fun, with all proceeds directly supporting families in need.
There are many ways to get involved. Community members can register to play in the tournament, attend the Bash, become a sponsor, donate auction items, or volunteer their time.
To learn more, get involved, or register for upcoming events, visit www.bigzfoundation.org.
Since 2020, the Big Z Foundation has provided over $300,000 in direct financial grants to families facing catastrophic childhood illness. In 2026 alone, the organization will distribute $89,000 to families navigating the unimaginable.