2025 Mid-Year Update

Connection and Compassion - When it Matters Most

Welcome to our mid-year update — whether you’ve been part of the Zach’s Bridge community from the start or just joined us, we’re glad you’re here.

We’ve Already Exceeded Our Goal — and We’re Doubling It Again

Our 2025 goal was to support 20 parents or caregivers. As of June 30, we’ve already helped 26 people, bringing our total to 37 since starting Zach’s Bridge 2 years ago — and we’re not stopping there. We’re now aiming to help 40+ caregivers this year.

We can tell you that support looks different for everyone — some need a single conversation, others ongoing connection. So far this year, we’ve had 97 interactions, averaging just over 30 minutes each.

“Zach’s Bridge has literally been the sun on my darkest days. My peer mentor always responds to me and checks in on me on my hard days. She gets what I am trying to say when I can’t put it into words.
She never judges and is a safe place for me to vomit my thoughts. I feel so connected and like I have a friend for life.”

Cassie Zurlinden

Jayden's Mom

"There are very few free and virtual psychosocial supports available for parents grieving their child. Zach's Bridge is such a special and important organization that provides these parents with the validation and support they need.
The peer-to-peer support and virtual check ins are invaluable. "

Tara James, LCSW, LAAT, ATR-P

The Valerie Fund, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

“Zach’s Bridge peers connected with a family I support, and helped them feel like they weren’t alone.”

Karelyn Gonzalez-Cruz, PhD

The Valerie Fund, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Peer Mentor Growth

We’ve trained two cohorts in 2025, with 9 active peer mentors and 6 more starting training soon.

Introducing the Resource Explorer

Launched in April, the Zach’s Bridge Resource Explorer is the only tool focused entirely on families in late-stage or bereavement from pediatric cancer. It dramatically simplifies the search experience and displays results using our ranking to help ensure the ones we know are great are at the top of the list – all saving time for parents, caregivers and providers.

In The Community

So far in 2025, we’ve:

Attended a range of events this year, including exhibiting at the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers Conference, where we also delivered two Continuing Education-credited (CEU) breakout sessions, and the Association of Child Life Professionals Conference.
Facilitated bereavement parent groups at Camp Sunshine for bereaved parents from St. Jude.
Appeared on 4 podcasts — and with more to come!

👉 Check out the podcasts, where we’ve been and where you can find us later this year.

Operational Highlights

Spanish-language support now available through a native speaker on staff, Migbel Meyer.
New website launched in March. Check out answers to frequently asked questions and an introduction to Zach and Zach’s Bridge video.
Board expansion: Welcome to Steve Ballerini (communications) and Steve Morin (development)
Co-founder, Executive Director and Zach’s Mom, Jenn Wall, earned her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University.
Zach’s Bridge Chapters are coming! We are partnering with hospitals and nonprofits to expand access. Learn more.
Zach and his Rules for Life were featured by the Jimmy Fund / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Check it out on Facebook or Instagram

Help Us Build More Bridges

Thanks to you, we’ve come this far. Now, we’re raising the bar with our 2025 Building Bridges Campaign, aiming to raise $50,000 — 150% more than last year.
✨ This year’s fundraising campaign features an incredible dinner on October 17 in Chestnut Hill, MA from chefs Dave Bazirgan (Uni) and Dave Becker, (Sweet Basil, Juniper) plus our first-ever auction. More exciting opportunities to get involved no matter where you are located are on the way — stay tuned.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we’re building a unique way to deliver connection and compassion when it matters most.

Previous Impact Reports

2024 impact report