 Zachary
Gault
At age 3, Zachary was an active child in preschool enjoying arts and
crafts, playing with his toys and being excited about learning to
rollerblade. However, his rollerblading lessons had to be postponed
because in January, 1994, Zachary was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic
Leukemia. This diagnosis threw the Gaults in a whirlwind of changes and
uncertainties. However, Zachary, despite his young age, faced his new
challenge like a champ. He was very cooperative with treatment and took
all his medications without resistance. He would even occasionally remind
his parents that he was due for his pills. When the decision was made to
remove Zachary's catheter permanently, it meant he would have to receive
his chemotherapy intravenously. One again, Zachary rose to the occasion.
He allowed his nurses to start his IVs without flinching, something most
adults are unable to do.
 At age 6, Zachary moved to Coronado, California and finished up his
chemotherapy at San Diego Children's Hospital. Now, at age 9, he is a very
happy soon-to-be 5th grader at Village Elementary. He is very independent
and mature for his age. Zach has been attending summer camp on his own
since he was 4 years old, and especially loves going to Camp Ronald
McDonald For Good Times. He has life-long friends that he met in the
hospital (especially Teddy & Comille), and looks forward to seeing
them at JJCCC events.
Zach's parents Pam & Bart are involved with many extra-curricular
activities with their children such as scouting and soccer. Pam has served
on the board of Parents Against Cancer since Zachary was first diagnosed:
first as secretary, then newsletter editor and now she is proud to be
doing the Parents Against Cancer web site. She does this as a way of
"giving a little bit back" to the hospital who gave so much to
her son.
When asked who is hero is, Zach points to his dad. Zachary aspires to
be a pilot, just like his dad, and is thrilled when he is able to fly in
the jet or helicopter with him. Zach's closest companions are his two older
brothers, Travis, age 14 and Gavin, age 11, who deserve special accolades
for the manner in which they have unselfishly given center-stage to their
youngest brother, who needed extra attention. Zachary also has special
places in his heart for his many pets, especially his dog Sadie and his
cat Molly.
 Pam says that Zachary never viewed his illness as a "bad"
thing (after all, every procedure meant Mommy & Daddy would buy him a
new toy!). The Gault's feel that the team approach to treatment, where
the patient and parents are an integral part of the treatment team, has
helped them to cope more effectively with this process.
Pam
says, "While we never asked to be in this "family" (of
children with cancer and their families) it has been a positive and life
changing experience for all of us. We have found strength that we never
knew was possible. The families and medical staff that we have met are
extraordinary and we are so proud to call them our friends -- especially
all of the wonderful children who have touched our lives.
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