Zaching Against Cancer

⛳️ There’s still time to join us on the course!

We still have a few foursomes left for the upcoming ZACHING Golf Outing on Monday, June 22nd at Turf Valley!

Come out for an incredible day of golf, fun, food, prizes, and most importantly — helping families battling cancer through our mission of supporting all cancers, all ages. 💛💪

Grab your team before spots are gone!

To register visit our website or message us directly.
https://www.zachingagainstcancer.org/events/golf-outing-2026/

Liberty High School senior Payton Oakley was awarded a Zaching Spirit Award Scholarship tonight and presented by Zach's Aunt Laine Malcotti. 💪🏼🎓

Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly after her third birthday in 2010, Payton underwent two and a half years of intensive treatment before being declared cancer-free. Her journey shaped her into a compassionate young woman dedicated to serving others and giving back to her community. Payton has been actively involved in numerous service initiatives, including Camp Hope, Food Pantry outreach, Vacation Bible School, and Operation Christmas Child. She also volunteers at Horizon Day Camp, a camp for children battling cancer and those in remission. Having attended the camp herself as a child, Payton understands the importance of providing children facing cancer with opportunities for joy, friendship, and normalcy during treatment. In addition, Payton and her family and friends — known as “Team Payton” — participate annually in the Port to Fort Run benefiting Believe in Tomorrow, an organization that supports critically ill children and their families.

Beyond her service work, Payton has excelled academically, athletically, and musically. She serves as senior class president in the Student Government Association and was selected as a representative for the Outstanding Young Women Leaders Program. As a doubles tennis player, she helped lead her team to a State Team Championship and mentors younger tennis players. Musically, Payton has performed as an alto saxophonist in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra. Payton will be studying mechanical engineering at college in the fall.

Today we had the honor of handing out 2 more 𝐙𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 $2,500 scholarships to two incredibly deserving students. 🎓💪

Starting with Joshua “Trey” Anderson, a member of Mount Saint Joseph High School’s Class of 2026. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just nine years old, Trey has used his journey with cancer to develop a deep appreciation for life. His battle strengthened his resilience and determination, qualities he continues to apply in many aspects of his young life. Following in Zach’s spirit, Trey regularly visits pediatric cancer patients and performs acts of service, inspired by the support he received during his own battle with cancer. At Mount Saint Joseph, Trey has distinguished himself as a member of the National Honor Society and several scholars programs, while also serving as a math and chemistry tutor.

A dedicated leader and competitor, Trey captained the school’s rugby team and competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He also served as an ambassador for Project Big, a nonprofit organization focused on using small acts of kindness to make a meaningful impact on individuals facing cancer. In addition, Trey was actively involved in the school’s sustainability club, business and investment club, the Mount Saint Joseph Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools team, and the school’s ambassador organization, representing Mount Saint Joseph at numerous events.

This fall, Trey will attend the University of Maryland, where he will study Computer Science as a recipient of the university’s Dean’s Scholarship.

Jameel Ashorobi from North Point High School is last night’s winner of the 𝐙𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 Scholarship. 🎓

What truly sets Jameel apart is his unwavering dedication to service and leadership. Whether mentoring younger athletes at Little Eagles Basketball Camp, helping distribute food baskets through the Purple Boot Mentoring Program, or preparing care packages for Operation Christmas Child, he approaches every opportunity to serve with compassion, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. His involvement in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Purple Boot Mentoring Program further reflects his commitment to personal development and making a positive impact in his community.

Jameel is a multi-sport varsity athlete playing basketball and soccer and is a percussionist in the school concert band. His accomplishments include participation in the MESA Scratch Championship and in the VEX Robotics showcase. Jameel’s mother is currently in treatment for breast cancer, and he has shown remarkable strength and support for his family as they navigate her illness.

Jameel notes: “Much like Zach Lederer, who used his “Zaching” pose to promote strength in the face of adversity, I have had to find a new level of grit and resilience within myself. Instead of letting this slow down my ambitions, it has caused me to keep working hard and finding a new level of strength”.💪

Today, two leukemia survivors from 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 were awarded 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 Scholarships. Through their cancer journeys, their families formed a strong bond while navigating the challenges of treatment and recovery together. 💪💙

𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗹 “𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗶” 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘆 was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and began her cancer journey. A dedicated soccer and lacrosse player, Abbi endured an intensive course of treatment before proudly “ringing the bell,” marking the completion of her treatment in the spring of 2026. Inspired by her experience, Abbi became a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer patients and their families. She founded and served as president of her school’s “Mustangs 4 the Cure” club, which raises awareness for pediatric cancer through letter-writing campaigns, educational initiatives, and other outreach efforts.

In addition, Abbi has served as an ambassador for the Giant Food Pediatric Cancer Campaign and The Children’s Cancer Foundation. Throughout her treatment, she remained actively involved in her school community as manager of the soccer and lacrosse teams and as a member of the National Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She also served as Outreach Manager for the Marriotts Ridge High School Jewish Student Union and volunteered with organizations and events including Best Buddies Allied Sports and the Columbia Festival of the Arts. Her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to service have earned her admission to the University of South Carolina, where she plans to major in Public Health.

𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗽𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘇 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇 was diagnosed with leukemia in 2025. A dedicated martial artist, Guadalupe has practiced karate for ten years and has served as an instructor for the past two years. Despite the physical demands of her illness and treatment, she returned to her dojo to continue mentoring and teaching fellow students.

Guadalupe has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to her community. She has maintained an impressive GPA while pursuing a rigorous academic curriculum. Outside the classroom, she has been actively involved in extracurricular activities that reflect both her creativity and leadership abilities. As a member of the Art Club, she collaborates with other organizations to design promotional materials and create artwork supporting charitable initiatives. She is also a member of the National Art Honor Society. Through Key Club, Guadalupe has organized card-writing projects for veterans, participated in tutoring programs, and helped coordinate food drives. Her volunteer service at the Miller Branch Library further highlights her dedication to serving others and supporting her community.

This fall, Guadalupe will attend Goucher College, where she plans to study Biology before pursuing medical school. Her medical team at Johns Hopkins shared that “her innate curiosity and drive to never stop learning, along with her sincerity and compassion, is a rare combination that will truly make her an exceptional physician.”

Today we had the honor of presenting 3 more $2500 𝐙𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 Scholarships to incredible students whose strength, perseverance, and compassion continue to inspire us all. 💛💪

Our first scholarship of the day was presented to...
Kean Bot Ba Njock from Walt Whitman High School.. At the age of 16, Kean was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the left tibia after enduring years of pain. A passionate soccer player since the age of three, Kean’s treatment forced him to step away from the field, but it also inspired him to channel his determination into his academic pursuits. During this time, he became a member of the International Baccalaureate program and actively participated in mechanical engineering projects, demonstrating both resilience and a strong commitment to his education and future goals.

Kean took on window-cleaning jobs to earn money that he sent to his grandmother’s village in Cameroon to help purchase school supplies and soccer equipment for local students. He has also volunteered with Nourishing Bethesda for the past four years and dedicates time to tutoring fellow high school students.

In addition, Kean completed an internship at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where he collaborated with a small team of students to design and build underwater robots known as SeaPerch. Through this experience, he witnessed firsthand how robotics and engineering can positively impact people’s lives, from supporting agricultural communities to assisting the elderly. Inspired by these experiences, Kean plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

Our third and final 𝐙𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 Scholarship recipient from last night was presented by ZACF Board Member Kevin Barnes. 💪

Congratulations to Emily Saunders, a senior at Kent Island High School.

Emily has demonstrated exceptional resilience and strength in the face of personal hardship, including the loss of her grandfather to cancer and her father’s recent battle with lung cancer. Throughout her father’s illness, she remained a steadfast source of support for her family while continuing to excel academically and personally.

Ranked among the top students in her class, Emily has distinguished herself both in the classroom and through her athletic leadership. She served as captain of the varsity softball and volleyball teams and was actively involved in numerous extracurricular and service initiatives. Emily served as president of the Women in Engineering Club and founded her school’s chapter of Morgan's Message, promoting student-athlete mental health awareness and support. She also dedicated her time to community service through organizations such as Toys for Tots and the STEM Outreach Program for Girls.

Emily will attend University of Maryland to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. She credits the challenges she has faced with teaching her resilience, gratitude, and the importance of supporting those around her.

𝒁𝑨𝑪𝑭 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒁𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑬𝑬 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒔!💪🎓
We are incredibly proud to recognize students whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who continue to inspire others

Zora Hurley of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School is a recipient of the 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 Scholarship.

When Zora was 11 years old, her mother underwent treatment for breast cancer. Several years later, while Zora was in high school, her mother was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Despite months of treatment, she passed away shortly after Zora’s 18th birthday. Throughout these challenges, and while balancing the emotional and daily responsibilities of caregiving, Zora relied on the support of her friends, family, teachers, and school counselors to continue thriving both academically and within her community.

Zora distinguished herself as a member of the varsity swim team and served as secretary of the Pan African Student Association. She also interned with Canyon Kids Occupational Therapy and worked as a lifeguard for five years. Demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership, she founded her own business, “Zora Steps In,” providing babysitting and dog-sitting services.

Zora credits her mother’s strength and courage as a lasting source of inspiration that helped her remain positive and resilient. She will attend University of Tampa, where she plans to major in Psychology with the goal of pursuing a career in mental health, supporting teenagers and young adults facing anxiety, grief, and depression.

Last night, ZACF Board member Kristen Luby Alliger presented Rebecca Cuellar-Ayala a 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 Scholarship.💪👩‍🎓

When Rebecca was just 14 years old, her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. During this difficult time, Rebecca stepped into a significant caregiving role for her younger sisters, who were only four and one years old, while her father and brother worked to support the family. In addition to assisting with her mother’s care and helping manage responsibilities at home, Rebecca remained dedicated to her academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Rebecca served as Secretary of the Spanish Honor Society and was an active member of both the Math and Art Honor Societies. She also helped organize events for the Latino Leaders Club. Beyond her school involvement, Rebecca studied cosmetology and volunteered with eBeauty Community, styling wigs for cancer patients.

After witnessing her mother spend more than a year in and out of hospitals, Rebecca was deeply inspired by the compassion and dedication of the nurses who cared for her family. Their example motivated her to pursue a career in nursing. Rebecca will begin working toward her degree at Anne Arundel Community College this fall. She hopes to provide others with the same comfort and support her family received during some of their most difficult moments.💪❤

This morning, Lauren Jensen of Centennial High School was awarded the 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 Scholarship. Lauren’s mother, Deverie Jensen, passed away from cancer in 2024. Throughout her mother’s treatment, Lauren served as a steadfast source of support for her family while continuing to excel academically and remain deeply involved in extracurricular activities.💪❤

Lauren participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, where she was recognized as a top fundraiser. She also volunteers with the American Cancer Society, Sports for Kids Clubs, and The Salvation Army, in addition to competing in multiple sports and performing in theater productions. Despite the profound loss of her mother, Lauren maintained outstanding academic achievement while continuing to actively engage in her high school community.

Lauren plans to study Marketing in college and exemplifies resilience, compassion, and service. She has transformed personal loss into meaningful action by dedicating herself to supporting and uplifting others. In doing so, Lauren embodies Zach’s legacy of showing up for others, even in life’s most difficult moments. 💪👩‍🎓