The Big Z Foundation has a large, immediate, and direct impact on families facing the challenges of pediatric illness. Our vision is that every family experiencing catastrophic pediatric illness is cared for with compassion and support. Many families struggle or just get by financially in good times, but when faced with a crisis, the burden becomes overwhelming.
We provide unrestricted financial grants to assist with whatever the family's greatest needs may be. These grants allow families to use the funds where they need them most, whether for rent or mortgage payments, medical claims assistance, essential household expenses, or even more specialized needs like prostheses, egg cryopreservation, and, sadly, funeral expenses. 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.
While taking care of these essential needs, many families face unemployment or reduced incomes due to their child's illness. The Big Z Foundation helps bridge the gap, at least temporarily, so families can focus on what matters most: the health and well-being of their child. We work through licensed social workers at participating children's hospitals to ensure that our support reaches those who need it most.
The Big Z Foundation provides vital support to families, including:
The Big Z Foundation also fosters a community of caring, encouragement, and hope. We want families to know that someone who has walked in their shoes understands, cares, and is supporting them in their journey.
We have accomplished much, but there is still so much more to do.
Zach “Z” Hoefler a young man whose courage, resilience, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Zach faced his illness with a bravery that inspired all who knew him. He was the heartbeat of his community, always finding ways to lift others up, even when he was facing his own battles.
Why Zach Matters: Zach’s journey was one of strength, love, and unwavering positivity. Despite the pain and the challenges, he chose to live life fully, embracing each day with a smile and a determination to make a difference. His spirit of giving, even in the darkest of times, is the foundation upon which The Big Z Foundation was built.
How His Legacy Lives On: Today, The Big Z Foundation continues Zach’s mission of hope and support by providing financial grants, holiday assistance, and comfort packages to families navigating the difficult road of pediatric illness. Every grant we give, every family we help, and every moment of support we provide is done in Zach’s memory, ensuring that his legacy of kindness, courage, and community lives on.
To dive deeper into Zach’s inspiring story and learn more about how his life continues to influence our work, please visit the link below.
The Big Z Foundation has made significant strides in supporting families facing pediatric illness. Here’s a look at the impact we have made together:
We are proud of the impact we've made, but we know there is still much work to be done. With your support, we can continue to provide critical assistance to families in need and honor Zach's legacy in a meaningful way.
To embrace, raise up, and empower families facing the challenges of catastrophic childhood illness.
At The Big Z Foundation, every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on the lives of families facing the challenges of pediatric illness. Your generosity helps us provide crucial support when it’s needed most. Below are some suggested donation amounts and the difference they can make:
$25 – Treats for Parents and Caregivers:
A $25 donation covers the cost of a Starbucks gift card for a parent or caregiver. These small gestures make a big difference, providing a much-needed moment of respite and self-care for those spending long days and nights at their child’s bedside.
$100 – Comfort Gift Cards for Families:
A $100 donation goes towards purchasing Walmart or Target gift cards for families. These cards provide flexibility for families to buy necessary items or a special treat for their child, offering a sense of normalcy and comfort during a hospital stay.
$500 – Holiday Support for Inpatient Families:
Your donation of $500 helps fund our Holiday Support Program at Dallas Children’s Hospital. This contribution provides holiday assistance to families with children hospitalized during the festive season, bringing joy and relief at a time when it is needed most. It allows these families to celebrate the holidays without the financial stress that often accompanies extended hospital stays.
$600 – Half Grant for Essential Needs:
A $600 donation provides a half grant, which can be used for critical needs like utility bills, groceries, or transportation costs for hospital visits. This support helps families manage their day-to-day expenses during a challenging time, ensuring they have what they need to care for their child.
$1,200 – Full Grant for a Family:
A donation of $1,200 provides a full grant to a family in need, covering essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, or medical bills. This grant offers immediate relief to families, allowing them to focus on their child’s health and recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.
Your support helps lighten the load for families facing some of life’s most challenging moments. Every contribution, whether large or small, helps us continue Zach’s legacy of compassion and care.
Big Z Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law in its programs, activities, or employment practices. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities
Organization name
Big Z Foundation
other names
The Zach Hoefler Memorial Trust
Causes
Health Care
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
BIPOC Serving
Hispanic or Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or African American
Address
1232 Brenham Drive 1314 W. McDermott Suite 106-522 Allen, TX 75013