It's been nearly a year since Doctor Michael Zollicoffer (Dr. Z) received the news that changed his life and impacted so many of us around him. His cancer diagnosis caught us off guard, yet he continued to march into his office and do what he has always done… take care of others.

When we learned that his treatment would not be covered, we were determined to support him in his time of need. We reached out to the many people he has served over the years, and they responded with contributions both small and large. In a short time, our fundraising began to build momentum, and the exposure his plight gained in the media introduced millions to “Dr. Z”, a man we have all come to know and love which motivated many of you to contribute as well.

Throughout the course of his many treatments and hospitalizations, Dr. Z has continued to provide care to his patients and to oversee more than a dozen medical students in gaining their in-clinic hours at his office.

Donning his signature smile, Dr. Z has shown up whenever called to offer words of inspiration to the community. He was a featured guest of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott at the State of the City Address and, at the invitation of the team, spent a sweltering August afternoon with the Baltimore Ravens at their preseason training camp. Not to be outdone, the Baltimore Orioles welcomed Dr. Z to Camden Yards for a salute on the Jumbotron. Congressman Kwesi Mfume and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks even offered citations on the floor of Congress, saluting him for his selfless contributions to Baltimore and Maryland.

Over this past year, by God’s grace and many of your prayers, Medicare has agreed to cover some of the costs associated with treating his two very aggressive forms of cancer. Thanks to you, we have been able to pay much of the expense that was not covered. As Dr. Z continues his courageous fight to meet his illness head-on, he remains determined to turn what for many is a curse into a blessing for others.

Under his guidance, we have established Dr. Z’s Clinic as a non-profit foundation* to support his continued work providing free and reduced-cost care to children in his underserved community. In addition, funds will be raised to continue his efforts to train dozens of students from local medical schools and to conduct free screenings and educational programs.

Dr. Z’s Clinic hopes to expand to accommodate the increased demand for pediatric care generated by the visibility his story has received in the media. That demand has created a critical need for supplies, new equipment, and the possibility of a larger, more accessible space.

Once again, thank you for supporting Dr. Z in his ongoing personal fight to overcome cancer. Now we ask that you join us in helping him continue to meet the healthcare needs of the many uninsured and under-insured children and youth of Baltimore, just as he has done for generations.

We hope you will join us in supporting this important work as every donation helps to keep this effort alive, and in the words of Dr. Z, “Turn this Moment into a MOVEMENT”.

*Through the new Dr. Z’s Clinic Foundation, your future and past donations may be tax-deductible.