May 1 will be declared Zaching Day in Howard County.
The day will honor the work of the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation whose founder, Zachary Lederer, died from brain cancer back in 2014.
The Zaching Foundation is known for providing support, strength and inspiration to cancer patients.
“The way Zach lived his life was an inspiration and I know he continues to be a source of strength and hope for families fighting through that same fight right now,” Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman said in a statement.
“By declaring May 1 ‘Zaching Day in Howard County’ we will be honoring Zach’s courage and determination and bringing awareness to the work of the Foundation created from his vision.”
May 1 would have been Zach's 24th birthday.
Zach's father, and the foundation's executive director, released the following statement:
“Zaching Day is a day to recognize what this symbol of strength, courage, determination and hope really means; it’s a symbol Zachary would like all those battling cancer to feel within themselves because those are the feelings he tried to instill in others. Everyone at the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation is grateful to County Executive Kittleman for making this day happen, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate Zachary’s birthday. I know he is looking down on all of us proudly.”
"Zaching" was created by Zach just hours after he had brain surgery during his second bout of cancer. He asked his father to take a picture of him striking a strongman pose in his hospital bed to show his friends and family he was strong and ready to beat cancer.
That photo went viral and created the phenomenon of "Zaching." Supporters copied the pose and shared their own photos, including celebrities like Torrey Smith and Jay Leno. The post represents strength, determination and hope.
To celebrate Zaching Day, Nightmare Graphics is producing limited edition t-shirts which are being sold through the Foundation's website. Supporters are also being asked to share their own "Zaching" photos on May 1.
Click here if you're interested in supporting Zaching Day.
