Magic Moments: Zach Eden
Son. Brother. Boyfriend. Nephew. Grandson. “Humble Book Sorcerer” at Love Library. These are just a few of the roles Zach Eden, 38, fills in his life and the lives of his loved ones. But unfortunately, Zach now has a new position to add to the list: cancer patient.
This summer, Zach began having severe headaches. Because he walked to and from work at UNL’s Love Library in the summer heat, he assumed they were dehydration-related and started drinking more water. But it wasn’t long before the headaches worsened and were accompanied by nausea and vomiting. A nighttime trip to the ER soon produced an unexpected, frightening, and overwhelming diagnosis: stage 4 metastatic melanoma of the brain, marked by three tumors, one of which was close to his brain stem. Brain surgery quickly followed, but due to the tumors’ placement, only one of them could be removed; the others were inoperable.
Zach was nominated for a Magic Moment by his third grade teachers in Milford, Judi Wittwer and Julie Metteer. They have never forgotten this special student, maintaining contact through the years and now enjoying a wonderful adult friendship. They hope, pray, and wish that Zach regains his health but want to make this year extra special, despite everything he has been fighting. Union Bank is happy to help.
Well-deserved holiday magic
UBT chose Zach to receive a Magic Moment because of the way he’s kept his head up, no matter what life has thrown at him. Those around him in the community, at work, and in his personal relationships have nothing but good things to say about him. He lights up the room and touches everyone around him with his uplifting attitude. After spending some time getting to know him, the Union Bank Magic Moments committee was able to put together a moment worthy of this special person.
Because Zach still enjoys walking to work whenever he’s feeling up to it, he received some new winter gear from Scheels, including winter boots, Husker gear, and hat, scarf, and mittens. He also received gift cards for gas from UStop and Super C to help defray costs of getting to and from his treatments. He’ll enjoy a trip to Kansas City with a stay at the Rafael Hotel, tickets to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum (plus a book of art), and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. This art lover also received art supplies from Gomez Art Supply, including paintbrushes, canvases, doodle paper, pens, acrylic paints, and a Bob Ross bobblehead, as well as movie passes to Marcus Theaters complete with a 2020 refillable popcorn bucket and candy from Rocket Fizz. Finally, on the day of his Magic Moments presentation, former Husker men's basketball coach Tim Miles made a surprise appearance for the Nebrasketball super-fan.
Zach’s prognosis is tough, but UBT is in awe of how he faces each day with positivity and courage. No matter what the next year brings, we hope this Magic Moment brings lots of holiday cheer to Zach and his family, and we’re wishing the best as he continues his fight.
