Zachary Schimmel held a significant role at his friend’s gender reveal party in July 2021. At 27 years old, he was the sole individual aware of the baby’s gender. Eager and thrilled about this exclusive knowledge, Schimmel was in charge of the cake presentation, featuring a pink center and a whimsical design with pink and blue accents. Excitement filled the air as he and his girlfriend delivered the cake to his friend’s residence in Leland, North Carolina.
However, the celebratory atmosphere took a drastic shift upon their arrival. Schimmel’s legs suddenly gave out on the porch, causing him to fall to the ground. Feeling unwell and attributing it to heat exhaustion, he initially dismissed the episode. Despite insisting that he was fine, emergency services were called, and Schimmel found himself in an ambulance shortly after. Despite his reluctance, he was taken to Brunswick County Hospital where a worrisome discovery was made – an enlarged brain and the presence of hydrocephalus and a brain tumor.
Following further medical examinations, Schimmel was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation (PPTID). With 12 brain surgeries and procedures within a month, Schimmel’s memory of events following the party is almost non-existent.
Throughout his medical journey, Schimmel’s family has stood by his side, rallying support through a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses. In a heartfelt gesture, his sister, a registered nurse, sought employment at Duke University Hospital’s neurology department in hopes of facilitating his treatment at Duke Health.
In her application cover letter and during the job interview, she discussed her brother’s situation. After a few weeks, she was offered the job. Zachary Schimmel was discharged from New Hanover Hospital on November 12 after spending 105 days there, heading back to Wilmington. At that time, he was in a wheelchair and required constant care, with his mother and sisters rotating responsibilities for taking him to numerous medical appointments as he worked on regaining his motor skills. Despite his breakup with his girlfriend, he was supported by his family during this difficult period.
After moving to Durham for her new job at Duke, she persisted in advocating for her brother to be accepted as a patient, despite the distance between them. Eventually, in December 2024, he was admitted. In mid-January, he underwent his 13th brain surgery at Duke to alleviate pressure in his brain, followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiation. He relocated to live with his sister for easier access to his medical team.
Although Schimmel is now visually impaired due to complications from the brain tumor, he has made significant progress in his physical recovery, being able to walk again. Despite the challenges, he remains positive, reflecting on his journey and the people he has met along the way. He has embraced learning Braille and is pursuing training as a digital accessibility analyst.
Schimmel shares his story as a beacon of hope for others facing cancer diagnoses, emphasizing that it’s a new beginning rather than an end. He encourages those going through similar challenges to stay resilient and embrace the changes that come with the journey.
