The Legacy of Zach Hunzinger - 50 Forever Strong

My name is Jenn Hospelhorn and I am honored to share the story of Zach Hunzinger, his impact on our lives, and our love for the precious Hunzinger Family.

In 2018, at the age of 17, Zach Hunzinger was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. It was his senior year at Liberty High school in Peoria, Arizona, where Zach’s promising future with football ended abruptly. Instead of being on the field with some of his best friends and playing his heart out, Zach spent most of his senior year at the Mayo Clinic Hospital, receiving rounds upon rounds of chemotherapy. That is where doctors replaced his entire knee and took 9 inches of his femur.

With the entire football team, staff, friends, a community full of strangers, and of

course his family, Zach realized he had an entire army fighting beside him. This is when “No One Fights Alone” became a philosophy and “50Strong” became a popular hashtag, as the number 50 was Zach’s jersey number. Zach returned back to school in 2019 when he was declared cancer free and finished what was left of his senior year.

After graduating high school, Zach started college to pursue a career in law enforcement, to follow in his Dad's footsteps. In November of 2020, while Zach was training to become one of Phoenix’s finest, he attended a

routine scan where he received the news that his cancer had returned and metastasized to both of his lungs and had attached to his heart. Zach went back to “Hotel Mayo” where he underwent more chemotherapy,

The battle carried into 2021, when doctors removed 9 tumors from Zach’s lungs and he was declared cancer-free once again. As soon as doctors gave the ‘’ok’’ Zach went right back to training and working out, as becoming a Phoenix Police Officer was his ultimate dream.

In November 2021, Zach’s dream was almost in his grasp. He unknowingly took and passed the Phoenix Police Departments' physical test with a collapsed lung. Doctors diagnosed him with Bronchitis and Pneumonia when in reality, Zach’s cancer had come back more aggressive than ever. In December, doctors gave Zach a 10% chance of surviving surgery; this was their last chance to remove every cancer cell. Doctors removed Zach’s entire left lung, his

Pulmonary Vein and reconstructed his Pericardial Sac. Just like the last time, as soon as he was cleared, Zach started to train and rehab himself as cancer was not going to stop him from becoming a Police Officer.

Zach learned a lot about living through cancer three times and constantly having to put his dreams on hold. He often told people, "Cancer changes your life, often for the better. You learn what’s important, you learn to prioritize, and you learn not to waste your time. Most importantly, you tell people you love them.” He lived his life like this as if each day was his last.

In February of 2022, we found out Zach’s cancer had spread aggressively, and he was once again put on chemo, but in a pill form this time. On May 27, Zach went to the doctor, where he received the results of his scans, and he was told his cancer was terminal. From that day, Zach was given 2-3 months, but unfortunately, it was really only 6 weeks until he took his last breath early in the morning on July 5th. Zach passed with family and friends in the room who held him dearly.

Osteosarcoma never took his indomitable tender loving spirit. Zach always charged forward with an attitude of “Forever Strong” with a belief in God, love for others, standing up for those in need, and striving to make the world better today than it was yesterday. He never gave up and never gave up his goals and dreams. Zach’s infectious smile and positive attitude with his mindset of never give up, forever strong, too stubborn to quit mentality was truly amazing for someone who had battled cancer 4 times at his young age. He was a courageous, tough, brave, and a peaceful warrior.

~Appreciate every moment in life because life is precious and short.

~Appreciate the journey through your successes and failures.

~Do things for others because you can.

~Appreciate the beauty around you and the people in your life. Tomorrow isn’t promised.

These were all of Zach's beliefs which he shared for people to hear on the attached podcasts. Along with family videos and the video of his special celebration of life.

Throughout Zach’s journey through tremendous adversity, his legacy is one filled with love, hope and unity. Out of all the possible adversity thrown at you in life, it will always come down to You vs You. As Zach would say “bring the hope with you wherever you may go so that those in need will find it.”

All funds will go to help with medical bills, funeral expenses, and to continue Zach’s legacy, reaching as many as possible. This also includes writing and publishing a book, including a few chapters written by Zach before his passing.

Thank you for your continued love and support and becoming a part of his family and tribe. #50strong #foreverstrong #noonefightsalone #youvsyou