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Nonprofit of the Month

The Big Z Foundation

Every day, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer. Each year, more than 40,000 children undergo treatment for cancer, and sadly, that number is rising.

The Big Z Foundation provides a community of caring, encouragement, and hope to families experiencing pediatric illness, families who are comforted by the knowledge that someone who has walked in their shoes understands, cares, and is supporting them in their journey.


Providing Support
The Big Z Foundation supports families in need with travel and hotel accommodations, medical claim cost assistance, college scholarships for patients/siblings, and funeral assistance.

Making a Difference
Cancer takes a toll not just on the child, but the whole family. The Big Z Foundation addresses the effects that pediatric illness and treatment have on the financial and emotional wellbeing of patients and their families. The foundation teams up with licensed social workers at each of its partnering hospitals to assist those families with the greatest needs. As the needs of each family differ, the LCSW helps address the individual and specific essential needs of each family.

Giving Hope
Zach Hoefler, “Z,” grew up in Allen and was a lovable, caring, compassionate, funny, optimistic and loyal friend. He was also a young man who loved family immensely. In high school, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In the Hoefler family’s journey with Zach at Dallas Children’s Medical Center, they witnessed an incredible need for the assistance of families with children diagnosed with serious pediatric illnesses.

The Big Z Foundation was established in Zach's memory after he died in 2018.

“The Hoefler family unconditionally embraces people with open arms and loving hearts,” says a family friend.

Zach’s mom, Kelly Hoefler, is quick to credit the tremendous outpouring of support from friends in the community. “It’s just amazing,” she says, “When I think ‘I need this or that’, it just appears!”


The Big Z Impact
Support the foundation by visiting www.bigzfoundation.org/the-big-z-classic/ to get your ticket to The Big Z Classic at Heritage Ranch & Golf Country Club on May 19th followed by an evening you don’t want to miss … the Big Z Rockin’ Bash. Enjoy dinner, an amazing auction, and a rockin’ evening with the phenomenal band ‘Empire 6’ and special guests.


“Zach inspires, not just by his illness or his death,” says a family friend, “but by his life. He inspires us to live life and love urgently, do the right thing, be kind and generous.”

Zach's family and community have certainly carried on this legacy through the Big Z Foundation. Z’s spirit and legacy will forever be #HoeflerStrong.


“Zach would be proud,” says his mom.

“Zach inspires, not just by his illness or his death, but by his life. He
inspires us to live life and love urgently, do the right thing, be kind and generous.”